The National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and National Planning, and the Senate Committee on Finance and Budget are set to conduct approval hearings for the nominee for appointment as the Director-General of the Competition Authority, Mr. David Kemei.

The exercise is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Parliament Buildings.

While formally notifying the House of the nomination on August 13, 2024, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula also issued guidance to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on how to conduct the process.

"Hon. Members, in the Message, the Ag. Cabinet Secretary conveys that, in exercise of powers conferred by section 12 of the Competition Act, CAP 504, he nominates Mr. David Kemei for appointment as the Director-General of the Competition Authority. The Ag. Cabinet Secretary therefore seeks the approval of the said nominee by Parliament," stated Speaker Wetang'ula.

According to the Speaker’s guidelines, the Joint-Committee has until October 3, 2024, to complete its consideration and to submit reports to both Houses.

Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized the importance of adhering to the timelines stipulated in the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the appointment process.

Members of the public have had an opportunity to submit memoranda to the Joint-Committee, providing valuable input on the nominee’s suitability for the position. The window for submission of memoranda lapsed on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The Competition Authority of Kenya is established under the Competition Act, No. 12 of 2010. The Authority is mandated to enforce the Act with the objective of enhancing the welfare of the people of Kenya by promoting and protecting effective competition in markets and preventing misleading market conduct throughout Kenya.

Besides other relevant competencies, the candidate for appointment as Director General is required to have at least 15 years’ relevant work experience, 10 of which must have been in a senior management position.