The appointment of Kefa Seda as the Director General of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate at the National Treasury has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The hiring process, which is supposed to be transparent and merit-based, appears to have been manipulated to favor an unqualified candidate.
Reports making rounds on X and even shared by Cyprian Is Nyakundi, indicate that Seda did not even meet the minimum qualifications required to be shortlisted for the position, yet he was appointed to lead a critical department that oversees multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects.
This blatant disregard for meritocracy raises questions about the integrity of the PSC and its role in state appointments. The PPP Directorate is responsible for structuring and managing partnerships between the government and private sector investors.
Given the financial risks and complexities involved, the position of Director General requires an individual with extensive expertise in finance, project management, and economic policy.
It is unclear how Seda, whose background does not align with these requirements, was selected over more qualified candidates.
Sources within the PSC suggest that the recruitment process was marred by political interference. Instead of adhering to a competitive selection process, powerful individuals may have influenced the outcome to ensure Seda’s appointment.
This kind of interference undermines public trust in government institutions and sets a dangerous precedent where competence is disregarded in favor of personal connections.
The PSC has been under scrutiny for its failure to uphold fairness in appointments. In recent years, numerous public appointments have been questioned, with allegations of favoritism, tribalism, and corruption overshadowing the process.
This latest case only adds to the growing perception that PSC is merely a rubber stamp for decisions made elsewhere, rather than an independent body ensuring quality leadership in public service.
The consequences of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions are dire. PPP projects involve long-term financial commitments that can either benefit or burden the country for decades. With an unqualified Director General at the helm, there is a risk of mismanagement, inflated costs, and failed projects that will ultimately be paid for by taxpayers.
Kenya has already experienced costly failures in infrastructure projects due to poor leadership, and this appointment suggests that such mistakes will continue.Public sector appointments should be based on merit, not political considerations.
The National Treasury and the PSC owe Kenyans an explanation on how Seda was chosen despite his lack of qualifications. If this trend continues, the credibility of state institutions will continue to decline, making it harder for Kenya to attract both local and international investors.
Reforms in the hiring process are urgently needed to restore public confidence and ensure that only the best candidates are entrusted with key government roles.
