Francis Wambugu Irungu The Committee on Gender and Youth of the Kirinyaga County Assembly on Monday conducted an approval hearing for Ms. Esther Wangui Kamau, who has been nominated to serve as Chairperson of the Kirinyaga County Empowerment and Development Fund Committee.
The vetting session, held at the County Assembly, forms part of the mandatory legislative process required before the nominee can assume the role overseeing one of the county’s key financial empowerment institutions.
The Kirinyaga County Empowerment and Development Fund was established following the enactment of the Kirinyaga County Empowerment and Development Act, 2024. The fund was created to provide financial support, capacity building, and promotion of income-generating activities across various sectors, targeting men, women, the youth, and persons living with disabilities across the county.
During the session, chaired by Hon. Harrison Kariuki, members of the County Assembly put the nominee through a rigorous scrutiny process, probing her academic qualifications, professional background, leadership capacity, and understanding of public finance management. Committee members also sought to assess her strategic vision for the effective and transparent administration of the fund.
The hearing drew participation from several committee members, including Hon. Daniel Muriithi Mbungu, Hon. Caroline Muriithi, Hon. Isaiah Mbogo, Hon. Waziri Moses, Hon. Beatrice Mitaru, and Hon. Grace Kamau, who raised questions aimed at establishing whether the nominee possesses the requisite competence and integrity to steer the fund.
If approved, Ms. Kamau will take charge of a fund that plays a critical role in advancing economic inclusion and social empowerment at the grassroots level. Her leadership will be expected to ensure that the fund reaches its intended beneficiaries efficiently and equitably.
The committee is expected to compile its findings and formally table its recommendations before the full County Assembly for final consideration and decision.
