Nairobi — Senate Upholds 28‑Day Vetting Deadline, Rejects Bill to Scrap Timelines

Nairobi | July 30, 2025

The Senate has firmly dismissed a proposed bill aimed at abolishing the 28‑day statutory deadline within which Parliament must vet public appointees. The move affirms the critical importance of timely scrutiny in maintaining transparency and accountability in public appointments.

What the Senate Decided

After consideration, the Senate rejected the proposal to eliminate the 28‑day vetting cap. Lawmakers emphasized that the timelines enshrined in the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act serve as essential guardrails to ensure swift but thorough vetting of nominees. Senators noted that indefinite vetting would threaten institutional efficiency and public trust in the appointment process  .

Importance of the 28‑Day Cap

The 28‑day window compels Parliament to act promptly on confirmation hearings for key public positions. It prevents indefinite delays that could erode confidence in government institutions or leave vital offices unfilled for extended periods. Without such safeguards, stakeholders warn, the process could become politicized or opaque, undermining constitutional accountability.

Background & Broader Context

The issue gained traction amid an ongoing high-profile vetting process for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nominees. Earlier delays had occurred due to a High Court injunction halting hearings in May 2025, citing procedural concerns over public participation and legal compliance  .

Despite the injunction, Parliamentary Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) to proceed with vetting once the court-cleared timeline resumed, reaffirming parliamentary sovereignty in the vetting process  .

The Senate’s decision to uphold the 28‑day rule comes amid tensions over executive-legislative balance, with critics warning against unchecked extensions that could result in perpetual vetting or political manipulation.

Key Takeaways

What It Means Going Forward

With the Senate backing the statutory timelines, the vetting process for high-profile public appointments—including the IEBC nominees—must now proceed within the constitutional timeframe. Parliament remains bound by law to complete hearings within 28 days of receipt of nominations.

JLAC and relevant committees may face renewed scrutiny in upholding these deadlines, especially where legal challenges or public controversy arise.

 Conclusion: Upholding Accountability

By rejecting the bill to scrap the 28‑day cap, Parliament has underscored its commitment to efficiency, predictability, and institutional transparency. The timelines built into the vetting law act as a critical safeguard against arbitrary delay and ensure that public trust in the appointment process remains intact.