Monday, 30 June, 2025
Blue Economy Committee probes delay in renewal of Kenya Fisheries Service Boss' contract
Parliament Buildings. Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee, chaired by Hon. Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), has engaged with key stakeholders over the delayed renewal of the contract for the Director-General of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), Mr. Daniel Mungai.
In a session convened to address a statement sought by Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), the Committee met with the Chairman of the KeFS Board of Directors, Col. (Rtd) Noor Musa, and Ms. Christine Nanjala, a representative of the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC).
Col. Musa clarified that the KeFS Board is mandated to determine whether to appoint a new Director-General or renew the existing contract. Once a decision is reached, the Board communicates its recommendation to the parent Ministry and the Office of the Head of Public Service.
He noted that the process of appointment or renewal is guided by several legal and policy instruments, including the State Corporations Act, the Fisheries Management and Development Act, the Mwongozo Code of Governance, the KeFS Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual, and relevant government circulars.
Col. Musa further explained that an Ad Hoc Committee was formed by the Board to evaluate Mr. Mungai's suitability for reappointment. The evaluation focused on key areas such as historical performance, the existence of any disciplinary records, and the Director-General’s overall achievements.
"It was discovered that the Director-General's ratings in both the annual performance contracts and appraisals from the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) were excellent over the last three years, averaging above 88% — far exceeding the 70% threshold required for renewal of a State Corporation CEO’s contract," said Col. Musa.
"This, together with his notable achievements and a clean disciplinary record, led the Committee to unanimously recommend the renewal of Mr. Mungai’s contract for a second four-year term," he added.
Separately, the Committee had met with the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Joho last week, who reiterated that the Ministry remains the appointing authority and exercises oversight over the Board.
The Committee now plans to meet with officials from the Office of the Attorney General and the Prime Cabinet Secretary for further consultations and clarification on the matter.