BY OLIVIA MUNGWANA
Allen Gichuhi, the former President of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has turned down a state job saying among other reasons, that his plate is full.
Mr Gichuhi turned down a recent appointment to chair the Industrial Property Tribunal. He was to serve for a three-year term starting October 6, 2021.
Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina announced his appointment to head the tribunal through a recent gazette notice.
Mr Gichuhi in a letter to CS Maina said that he was a senior partner in a busy law firm and was concerned about the conflict of interest the appointment would bring.
“I am the senior partner in a busy law firm and having consulted with my partners. Such an appointment would cause a conflict of interest in matters that my firm handles for various clients that may give rise to a dispute before the Industrial Property Tribunal,” the former LSK boss said.
Aside from his inability to take up the position, he notes that there were no interviews or a recruitment process held before he was appointed, hence he is hesitant to join the Tribunal in such a manner.
“I was not consulted about my availability and willingness to take up this appointment. I am not aware of any open, fair and competitive recruitment process leading to my appointment,” he said.
