Former investment agency chief seeks job after acquittal

Former Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) managing director Susan Kikwai is fighting to get back her job even as the parastatal seeks to fill the position of chief executive.

Ms Kikwai, whose tenure was to expire on August 1, says she wants to resume office once she furnishes the Treasury with evidence of her acquittal.

She was charged in July 2011 together with a colleague with abuse of office for allegedly conferring a benefit of Sh3.24 million to Office Technologies Ltd who were pre-qualified suppliers of computers to the agency.

KenInvest tendered for supply of 20 Dell desktop computers, 14 Dell laptops, 34 APC and UPS and 34 Microsoft operating licences. The computers were 1GB instead of the tendered 2GB. Office Technologies upgraded them to 2GB at no cost.

“The charges were based on malice, I have never had an audit query since I was appointed and I have increased investment flows into the country,” she said.

High Court deputy registrar Kennedy Bidali confirmed to the Business Daily that Ms Kikwai was acquitted.

“After trial, the two were acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence, proceedings and judgment can be supplied,” said Mr Bidali in a text message response.

KenInvest board chairman Mwangi Ngumo, however, said he was yet to receive official acquittal documents.

KenInvest which has had an acting managing director for the last one year has embarked on the search for a new managing director and placed a press advert on Monday.

The Mr Ngumo said the job notice is informed by the fact that term of the former MD is ending on August 1.

“Kikwai is not barred from applying but the new search was informed by the fact that her term will come to an end next month and has nothing to do with the court case,” he said.

Parastatal heads are allowed to serve a maximum of two terms each running for three years according to the State Corporations Act. But Ms Kikwai who has been the KenInvest head for six years said the Investment Promotions Act of 2004 allows her a span of up to eight years.

“A person shall not serve as the managing director for more than eight years,” says the Act.

Mr Ngumo added that even though exceptional cases exist where some boards have awarded a third term based on performance, she will have to apply and compete for position.

“My advice to her is to apply but she should not expect to get it on a silver platter because there is competition,” said Mr Ngumo. He said Ms Kikwai will be paid her arrears if the acquittal is confirmed since she has been on half salary since she was arrested.