The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) has issued a clarification regarding the appointment of its new Managing Director, Ms. Lucy Anangwe.
The article published in the Daily Nation on November 12, 2024, titled “Plumb Job for Sh6bn Oil Scum Suspect,” cast shadow on Ms. Anangwe’s record.
The writer pointed out that Ms. Lucy was involved in the multi-billion oil scandal that rocked President Ruto’s government who at that time barely a year in office.
Daily Nation said the Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya allegedly influenced the appointment of the official
implicated in the Sh6.5 billion edible oil scandal.
KNTC board, in its heavily worded statement, asserts that the recruitment process was conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency, adhering strictly to established legal and procedural guidelines.
The vacancy for the Managing Director position arose on November 28, 2023, following the departure of the previous officeholder.
KNTC added it initiated an open recruitment campaign, advertising the position through the MyGov. Newspaper on January 22, 2024.
A meticulous shortlisting committee, appointed by the Board, evaluated 31 applications submitted before the February 12, 2024 deadline.
The directors also claimed standards for evaluation strictly adhered to the criteria set in the initial advertisement, ensuring fairness throughout the selection process.
On March 26 and 27, 2024, the interview panel, consisting of the complete board, conducted interviews in accordance with the Kenya National Trading Corporation’s Human Resource Policies.
The evaluation framework established a pass mark of 70%, thus ensuring that only the most qualified candidates were considered.
Following the interviews, three top candidates were recommended to the Cabinet Secretary for further consideration.
Despite the board’s initial recommendations, the Cabinet Secretary advised revoking the initial process and conducting a re-advertisement of the position on April 23, 2024.
After a thorough review and new round of interviews held on May 30, 2024, the board once again submitted the names of the three new recommended candidates for appointment.
As part of the rigorous vetting process, KNTC communicated with various academic institutions and investigative agencies to authenticate the academic qualifications and integrity of the shortlisted candidates.
Notably, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Intelligence Service cleared the candidates of any adverse findings.
The final appointment of Ms. Lucy Anangwe was officially communicated by the Cabinet Secretary on October 29, 2024, reinforcing the integrity of the selection process.
KNTC called on the public and stakeholders to appreciate the structures in place that guide the recruitment process, reiterating its dedication to transparency as it continues on the path of strategic reforms and corporate excellence.
