By The Weekly Vision Team
The recruitment of top managers at the Kenya Railways Corporation held a few weeks ago has led to uproar, with some permanent employees crying foul play for being overlooked in favour of “outsiders.” Senior employees are now accusing the Kenya Railways board of allegedly going out to shop for outsiders while completely ignoring qualified insiders who could have taken up the positions.
“Contrary to expectations, many internal staff either shunned to apply for lack of trust in the process, and the few that applied were not considered,” one of the Kenya Railways managers said. At the centre of the controversy is the move by the Kenya Railways Board to advertise and fill positions of General Manager Corporate Services, General Manager Business and Commercial, General Manager Finance, General Manager Procurement, and General Manager Legal Services.
Two internal managers who had previously served in senior positions were considered unsuitable despite being experienced, competent, and in good standing, fuelling speculation that the process was meant to eliminate those with organisational memory as top managers prepare to exit in looming parastatal shakeups. Sources say that only one internal staff member was shortlisted and considered for interview and appointment.
One of the hired managers, Benedict Kiema Kavua, was recently in the news when he took his immediate former employer Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to court for allegedly transferring him from the procurement and chain supply department.
Kenya Railways employees are now questioning the rationale used by the board to hire somebody with an already questionable background. The board is also under scrutiny for recommending the hiring of a General Manager of Legal Services from a little-known leather company while overlooking two officers in the department with wide experience who were not even shortlisted.
Also being questioned is the appointment of Stanley Cheruiyot, who was serving as the principal business development officer, as the General Manager of Business and Commercial at the expense of two senior managers who have served in the capacity of general manager of business, with vast experience and a track record of performance. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga has dismissed the uproar, saying it was being made by junior individuals who aspired for senior positions but could not meet the requirements.
The new team is expected to spearhead the Nairobi Railway City project under the UKEF, SGR phases 2B and C, and the World Bank KUMIP. “The board should put professionalism ahead of selfish interests and do what is right. Meritarism must surpass any other personal interests,” the aggrieved manager said.
