The High court has declared the appointment of Aisha Jumwa as chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board unconstitutional, dealing a fresh blow to the former Cabinet Secretary’s return to public office.
In a ruling delivered by justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court found that the appointment did not meet constitutional and legal standards governing public appointments, raising concerns over due process and compliance with principles of good governance.
The judgment follows a petition challenging Jumwa’s appointment, with petitioners arguing that the process lacked transparency and failed to uphold constitutional requirements on leadership and integrity.
The court agreed that state appointments must strictly follow the Constitution, particularly on accountability, fairness and public participation.
Jumwa, a prominent political figure and former Gender Cabinet Secretary, was appointed to chair the Kenya Roads Board earlier this year. Supporters defended her appointment, citing her experience in government and politics, while critics questioned both the process and suitability of the appointment.
The ruling now places the government under renewed scrutiny over how senior public officials are appointed to state corporations and parastatals.
Neither Jumwa nor the government had issued a detailed public response immediately after the judgment.
Legal analysts say the decision reinforces the judiciary’s growing role in reviewing executive appointments and ensuring constitutional procedures are followed.
The case is also expected to reignite debate over political appointments in public institutions, an issue that has repeatedly drawn criticism from governance and anti-corruption groups in Kenya.
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