Tuesday, 8 April, 2025
Committee vets PS Nominee for State Department on Trade, questions her plans for key sector๐๐๐ป๐ด๐ฒ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐, ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐, ๐๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐น ๐ฐ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives has completed the vetting of Regina Akoth Ombam, nominated for the position of Principal Secretary for the State Department of Trade.
During the vetting process, members of the committee, chaired by Hon. Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), scrutinized Ms. Ombamโs qualifications and questioned her plans for the sector.
Prior to her nomination, Ms. Ombam served as a Regional Health Financing Consultant for the East African Community.
Addressing her net worth and financial sources, Ms. Ombam disclosed she's worth Sh66 million and added that her consultancy role earned her slightly over Ksh. 1,000,000 per month.
This admission prompted committee members, led by Hon. Shinali, to question her willingness to accept a position that entails a pay cut.
โWhy are you leaving a lucrative job that pays more for one that pays less?โ inquired the Chairperson.
Ms. Ombam responded by emphasizing her passion for public service and her commitment to taking on new challenges.
โI am a dedicated and highly professional individual. In any role I undertake, I strive to deliver the best. This is why I am taking the job,โ she stated.
Committee Vice Chairperson Marianne Kitany questioned Ms. Ombam regarding her plans for addressing changes in bilateral trade and investment agreements.
She gave an example the recent shift in policy by the U.S. government following the inauguration of President Donald, which has led to changes in trade tariffs.
โHow will you navigate and ensure the enforceability of new treaties while safeguarding existing ones?โ asked Hon. Kitany.
Ms. Ombam assured the committee that she would carefully examine the conditions of any new trade agreements before the country commits.
โUnderstanding the conditionalities of trade agreements is essential. I will communicate this information to ensure everyone is aware of what we are entering into,โ she explained.
The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) was also discussed, with Hon. Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula) and Robert Gichimu (Gichugu) questioning whether Ms. Ombam believed the plan would succeed.
โI fully understand the BETA plan, and I believe it will transform the country. Its strategic pillars and prioritized areas are crucial,โ Ms. Ombam affirmed.
Regarding the imbalance in trade between Kenya and other countries, Ms. Ombam emphasized the importance of building the capacity of grassroots traders and producers.
โThere are small and medium enterprise traders in this country who face challenges in competing effectively. Focusing on market intelligence will help inform traders about needs, requirements, and demand, making trade more demand-driven,โ she noted.
She added that building tradersโ capacities and ensuring market access are crucial, alongside creating a conducive environment for understanding market demands. Additionally, financing for these traders should be prioritized.
On agricultural production, Ms. Ombam stressed the need for farmers to understand the importance of producing the right products, maintaining quality, and ensuring adequate quantities to meet market requirements.