By Hope Barbra
Victory for a close ally of former ODM party leader, the late Raila Odinga, and the current party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, after the National Assembly approved the appointment of Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as a Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner.
Ali, a former Wajir County Woman Representative, was approved by Parliament as the female non-Member Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), completing the parliamentary approval process for her appointment.
The former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member takes over the position following the expiry of the term of former Commissioner Hon. Rachel Ameso.
The position is one of the two non-Member seats on the Commission reserved under Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution for persons experienced in public affairs who are not Members of Parliament.
Her approval by the National Assembly follows the Senate’s approval of her nomination after consideration of the report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, which conducted her approval hearing on 28 September 2026.
The appointment followed a competitive recruitment process in which 75 eligible applicants were considered, 12 candidates shortlisted and interviewed, with Hon. Fatuma emerging as the highest-scoring candidate.
Tabling the Motion before the National Assembly, PSC Commissioner Hon. Patrick Makau said the Commission had subjected the candidates to a comprehensive assessment covering their academic and professional qualifications, parliamentary experience and integrity.
“The Commission interviewed her on 10th September 2026 and assessed her qualifications, covering academic qualifications, relevant experience, understanding of Parliament and the Commission, leadership and management, and the Chapter Six requirements on leadership and integrity,” said Makau.
He said the selection process also involved public participation and verification of the shortlisted candidates by relevant State agencies.
The Commission, he added, assessed candidates on personal attributes and skills considered essential for effective discharge of the responsibilities of a Commissioner.
“The nominee also displayed personal attributes, including integrity, accountability, communication and interpersonal skills,” Hon. Makau said.
The vacancy was advertised on 14 August 2026 through the Kenya Gazette, newspapers of national circulation and the Parliament website. Following receipt and consideration of applications, the Commission undertook shortlisting, public participation, verification and interviews before recommending the successful candidate to Parliament.
Seconding the Motion, Hon. Adan Keynan described the Parliamentary Service Commission as an important institution in safeguarding the welfare of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.
“I am aware of the role this Commission actually plays in enhancing and taking care of the welfare of both Members of Parliament and Members of staff,” said Hon. Keynan.
He said Hon. Fatuma’s previous experience in Parliament and public service would be valuable to the Commission.
“As a long-serving Member and former Commissioner who has known Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, I can confidently say that Fatuma is going to add value by being a Member of this Commission,” he said.
Hon. Keynan further cited her experience as a former Member of Parliament and Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, as well as her service in public institutions, saying the breadth of her experience would enable her to understand the needs and aspirations of Parliament.
Hon. Yussuf Haji also supported the appointment, describing Hon. Fatuma as a person with extensive experience in public affairs.
“Hon. Fatuma has passed through many stages and has vast experience, and I am sure the Commission has critically looked at all those qualifications,” said Hon. Haji.
He said her previous parliamentary experience would give her an understanding of the needs and aspirations of Parliament.
The Parliamentary Service Commission is established under Article 127 of the Constitution and is mandated, among other functions, to provide services and facilities to enable Parliament to perform its functions effectively, manage parliamentary staff and promote the independence and institutional capacity of Parliament.
The National Assembly subsequently approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
