- The National Assembly has scheduled the vetting of TSC nominees Wilson Sossion and Lentoijoni for August 11, despite High Court conservatory orders suspending the process.
- The High Court in Kerugoya has issued a 21-day suspension on the vetting, backed by a penal notice warning of legal consequences for any breach.
- Parliament has invited the public to submit sworn objections to the nominees’ suitability by August 10, even as it remains unclear whether MPs will comply with the court order.
The National Assembly has set August 11 as the date for the approval hearing of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) nominees Wilson Sossion and Antonina Lentoijoni, despite conservatory orders currently suspending the vetting process.
In a notice issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly on Friday, July 31, the Departmental Committee on Education said it will vet Sossion at 10 am, followed by Antonina Lentoijoni at 11:30 am. The hearings are scheduled to take place in the Mini Chamber at Nairobi County Hall.
“It is notified to the general public that pursuant to the provisions of Article 118(1) (b) of the Constitution and section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F, the Departmental Committees shall conduct Approval Hearings (Vetting) of the nominees on the dates, times and at the venues indicated in the schedule,” read the notice.
The committee has directed all nominees to appear for the approval hearings with their original national identification documents, academic and professional certificates, and any other relevant supporting documents.
The hearings are part of the parliamentary approval process following the nomination of the candidates by President William Ruto for appointment as commissioners of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The announcement of the hearing schedule comes a day after the High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders suspending the vetting and approval of nominees Wilson Sossion and Antonina Lentoijoni for 21 days.
RELATED:
High Court halts vetting of TSC nominees Wilson Sossion and Antonina Lentoijoni
In the ruling, the court restrained the National Assembly, its committees and officers from considering or approving the two nominees pending the hearing and determination of the case. The orders were accompanied by a penal notice warning that any breach would attract legal consequences.
The conservatory orders effectively bar the TSC appointment process for the two nominees until the court gives further directions.
The orders followed a petition filed against the State Law Office, the TSC and three other respondents challenging the appointments made under Notification of Presidential Action No. XI of 2026.
The court directed that the conservatory orders remain in force until an inter partes hearing scheduled for August 18.
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly proceeded to publish the hearing notice, stating that the Speaker had referred the nominees’ names and curriculum vitae to the relevant departmental committee after receiving the presidential nominations.
Parliament has also invited members of the public to submit sworn memoranda objecting to the suitability of any nominee. The submissions, accompanied by supporting evidence, must be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly by 5 p.m. on August 10.
It remains unclear whether the National Assembly will suspend the vetting process in compliance with the court orders.
By Frank Mugwe
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
