The Public Service Commission (PSC) has withdrawn all human resource powers assigned to the Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha.
PSC Chairman Stephen Kirogo in a circular directed to chairpersons of Public Universities Councils and copied to the Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua on Friday, November 13, stated that all human resource concerns requiring the attention of the Public Service Commission shall henceforth be dealt with PS Kipsang as the approved officer of the ministry until further notice.
The PSC Chairman said the move was in the practice of the Commission’s powers and responsibility to defend public servants from undignified and unfair attacks and to promote public confidence and sustain the integrity and honour of the public service.
“The purpose of this general letter is to inform you that in view of the recent incident in the Ministry of Education relating to the role of the Authorized Officer, the Commission has in the meantime withdrawn the delegation of its powers and functions from the Cabinet Secretary, Prof. George A. O. Magoha, CBS and delegated the said powers to the Principal Secretary for Early Learning and Basic Education, Dr Richard Belio Kipsang, CBS with immediate effect,” the circular reads.
In the circular, the Commission requests Authorized Officers to act in a way that is harmonious with provisions of the Constitution, applicable legal provisions, statutes, policies, guidelines and manuals for competent management of the public service including public universities
The removal of functions is due to the remarks made by the CS over the weekend that extorted backlash from a section of angry Kenyans, many accusing of ignorance, pride and lack of leadership skills over how he addressed the senior official in Nandi County.
Several Kenyans have been mobilizing for his sacking terming his actions disrespectful. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) asked for an apology but the CS maintained that he had nothing to apologize over his way of leadership.
In a video seen by Teachers Update, CS Magoha dressed down the elderly local County Director of Education (CDE) Mbaga Gitonga in the presence of teachers, students and journalists at Langas Primary School.
CS Magoha had visited the region to inspect the process of delivery of desks and preparedness of schools in accommodating learners while complying with the Ministry of Health guidelines. He decided to stop at Langas Primary where he was displeased by the state of hygiene.
It was at that point that Magoha unleashed his fury on Gitonga who wanted to give him a report.
“The situation on the ground is not good,” Magoha said in the video. The elderly education director sought to demonstrate why the school was in untidy state but a visibly irritated Magoha was far from impressed.
“I am not talking about a report, I am talking about what is here on the ground,” Magoha said to the officer.
The Commission has now called upon authorized officers to act in a manner that is consistent with provisions of the Constitution, applicable statutory requirements, regulations, policies, guidelines and manuals for effective management of the public service including public universities.
“If I say you are a fool would I be lying?” Magoha posed to the official. The grey-haired official did not utter a word before the CS chased him from the meeting stating, “Wewe ni mjinga kabisa (You are very foolish).”
