President William Ruto has proposed Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi, wife of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati, to preside over the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA). Pending parliamentary approval, Wanyonyi will succeed Dr Jane Kiringai, whose six-year term as CRA chairperson has come to an end.
Wanyonyi is poised to become the third individual to chair the CRA under the 2010 constitution, following in the footsteps of Micah Cheserem and Kiringai. Her nomination came from the Public Service Commission (PSC), which had shortlisted her alongside Thomas Ludindi Mwadeghu, former Wundayi MP, and Felicity Nkirote Biriri.
Despite previous considerations for the position of Principal Secretary, Wanyonyi had not been successful in obtaining that post. However, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed asserted her extensive accounting background would prove beneficial to the CRA, provided she gains parliamentary approval.
“Ms Wanyonyi is a Certified Accountant and a Certified Mediator with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). She boasts an impressive accounting career spanning over three decades,” read a statement from the State House.
Currently, Wanyonyi serves as the Senior Deputy Accountant General and leads the Accounting Unit within the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.
Upon approval, Wanyonyi will oversee seven other CRA members appointed earlier this year. This committee includes Benedict Mutiso, Fatuma Gedi, former Wajir County MP, Dr George Midiwo, Hadija Nganyi, Dr Isabel Waiyaki, Jonas Kuko, and Wilfred Nchoshoi.
Simultaneously, President Ruto has put forth Dr Phyllis Wambui Wagacha as a nominee for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in a position vacated by the Public Service Commission (PSC). She is projected to replace former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno, who vacated his seat last year to pursue a position in the General Election. Dr Wagacha is married to Dr Mbui Wagacha, a former senior economic advisor in the executive office of the president.