Thanks Edith, I am replying you from San Antonio, US. I am aware of the very sad development in such a key process. It confirms our earlier fears that indeed the process failed public credibility long ago. Kenyans from all walks of life must condemn the irrational manner in which PSC Chairperson Prof Margaret Kobia is taking Kenya back to the old dark days. When she recently called me, she said all will be well with the interviews. She later changed the shortlist from her self-imposed number of 122 to 155 without explanation. She still hasn't formally responded to Cofek concerns long after agreeing to do so. Locking out the media (read public) negates the whole essence of interviews and reducing PSC wide discretion on whom to recommend as PS. It is an affront on Article 10 of CoK 2010 and it can't go unchallenged. Since her own interview and that of other PSC were done behind closed doors, she probably wants to set another wrong precedent. Kenyans must reject this cartel-like manner that PSC. As far as we are concerned, all PSC is doing behind closed doors, especially failing or ignoring to mention public representations against some of the questionable nominees is wrong. To again limit such receipt of such representations to May 2, 2013 when interviews are running up to May 10, 2013 is unjustified. Our argument remains, that as chief Ministry accounting officers, any shortcuts on avoiding credibility checks will as well as mark the beginning of end on the fight against corruption, impunity and living to President Uhuru Kenyatta's clarion call of "Twasema, Twatenda" Kind regards, Stephen Mutoro www.cofek.co.ke ________________________________ From: Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.ca> To: smutoro@yahoo.com Cc: "mediaeditors (mediaeditors-bounces+dmakali=yahoo.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke)" <mediaeditors-bounces+dmakali=yahoo.com@lists.kictanet.or.ke>; KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum <mediaeditors@lists.kictanet.or.ke>; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: [kictanet] Why Barr the Media from PS Interviews? Listers, Can someone explain the logic of the Chair of PSC barring the media from interviews of Principal Secretaries? Aren’t they public servants who are supposed to be vetted publicly even with citizens giving their submissions? Judges, commissioners of various commissions were vetted publicly infront of “live” media cameras, why not PS’ ? What are they shielding? The argument that interview questions will be known by others does not fly, the same argument would also have applied to judges, commissioners etc, but it did not. If you’re good you’re good and we’ll see it (otherwise, you appear too “rehearsed” when you cram interview responses”) Where’s citizen participation which is enshrined in the constitution? I think these are the kind of issues that COFEK needs to take up, Mutoro? Edith _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/smutoro%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.