Nominee for the position of Makueni County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Serah Wayua Nzau. Photo by Assembly Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.'s nominee for the position of County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Serah Wayua Nzau, came under intense scrutiny during her appearance before the Makueni County Assembly Committee on Appointments, with members raising serious concerns over the authenticity of several of her documents and her suitability for the position.
The session, chaired by Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, saw the nominee struggle to explain discrepancies in key clearance certificates, tax records and professional documents submitted to the Assembly as part of the vetting process.
Speaker Mbilu told the nominee that the Assembly had undertaken independent verification of documents submitted by all nominees, including communication with universities, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and other relevant institutions.
He emphasized that the Assembly was acting within its constitutional and legal mandate under Section 35 of the County Governments Act and Chapter Six of the Constitution, which require public officers to satisfy integrity, educational and professional qualifications before appointment.
Among the issues raised was a professional certificate whose authenticity the committee questioned after discovering inconsistencies in its format, signatures, serial numbering and appearance compared to certificates issued during the same period.
Although the nominee's certificate appeared genuine due to its laminated nature, committee members said its format differed significantly from other certificates issued around the same time, prompting further verification.
In her response, Nzau attributed some of the discrepancies to a road accident she suffered in March this year, saying she sustained injuries to her neck and back that limited her mobility.
She told the committee that she had sent money to a cyber café operator to assist in processing and obtaining some of the documents on her behalf.
"I had an accident and could not walk. I relied on other people to assist me with the applications and obtaining the documents. I am really sorry because I thought everything was okay," she told the committee.
Questions also emerged regarding her Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) compliance certificate after the committee's verification reportedly produced details belonging to another individual identified as Winfred M.M.
According to Speaker Mbilu, the serial number appearing on the certificate corresponded to a different taxpayer's PIN and personal details.
The nominee denied any knowledge of the discrepancy, again attributing the issue to the assistance she received while recovering from her injuries.
Committee members further challenged the authenticity of her Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The Speaker noted that certificates issued around the same period contained QR codes that allow electronic verification, while the nominee's document lacked the security feature.
He further stated that attempts to verify the certificate through the DCI verification portal returned the message "Application Not Found," raising additional concerns about the validity of the document.
The committee also questioned the nominee's professional experience and whether she met the minimum requirement of five years of relevant experience for the position.
Asked whether she believed she possessed the necessary qualifications to serve as CECM, Nzau argued that although the required years of experience were important, her practical involvement in development partnerships and government-related programmes had adequately prepared her for the role.
However, when asked to outline the county government budgeting process, the nominee admitted she had limited experience in public finance management.
She attempted to explain the process by referring to the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), Annual Development Plans and public participation processes, but acknowledged that she did not have extensive experience in budget preparation.
The vetting session highlighted the Assembly's increasingly rigorous approach to examining nominees for senior county positions, with Speaker Mbilu noting that all nominees undergo verification of academic credentials, integrity records, tax compliance and professional qualifications before approval.
The Committee on Appointments is expected to compile its report and make recommendations to the County Assembly on whether the nominee meets the legal and professional requirements to hold the office of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development.
The outcome of the vetting is likely to attract significant public interest, given the strategic importance of the agriculture docket to Makueni County's economy and livelihoods
