Former Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Ibrahim Ali has secured a seat on the Parliamentary Service Commission after the National Assembly approved her appointment as a non-MP commissioner.
The approval puts a close ally of former ODM leader, the late Raila Odinga, and current party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, in one of the key bodies overseeing the administration of Parliament.
Ali, a former East African Legislative Assembly member, takes over from Rachel Ameso, whose term as commissioner has ended.
She will serve as one of two commissioners drawn from outside Parliament, a position provided for under Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution for persons with experience in public affairs.
The National Assembly vote came after the Senate had also approved her nomination, completing the required parliamentary process.
Ali emerged from a field of 75 eligible applicants who applied for the position after it was advertised in August.
The Parliamentary Service Commission shortlisted 12 candidates for interviews, with Ali emerging with the highest score at the end of the selection process.
PSC Commissioner Patrick Makau told MPs that the recruitment involved assessment of the candidates’ academic and professional qualifications, parliamentary experience, leadership skills and integrity.
“The Commission interviewed her on 10th September 2026 and assessed her qualifications, covering academic qualifications, relevant experience, understanding of Parliament and the Commission, leadership and management, and the Chapter Six requirements on leadership and integrity,” Makau said.
The process also included public participation and background verification of shortlisted candidates by relevant State agencies.
Makau said the commission was satisfied that Ali possessed the personal qualities required to serve as a commissioner.
“The nominee also displayed personal attributes, including integrity, accountability, communication and interpersonal skills,” he said.
The position was advertised on August 14 through the Kenya Gazette, newspapers of national circulation and the Parliament website.
The recruitment process thereafter involved consideration of applications, shortlisting, public participation, verification and interviews before the successful candidate was forwarded to Parliament.
Backing her appointment, MP Adan Keynan pointed to Ali’s previous experience in Parliament and public service.
Keynan said her understanding of parliamentary affairs would be an asset to the commission, which is responsible for the welfare and administration of Parliament.
“I am aware of the role this Commission actually plays in enhancing and taking care of the welfare of both Members of Parliament and Members of staff,” he said.
He added that Ali’s experience as a former MP, EALA member and public servant gave her an understanding of the needs of Parliament.
“As a long-serving Member and former Commissioner who has known Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, I can confidently say that Fatuma is going to add value by being a Member of this Commission,” Keynan said.
MP Yussuf Haji also supported the nomination, citing Ali’s long experience in public affairs.
“Hon. Fatuma has passed through many stages and has vast experience, and I am sure the Commission has critically looked at all those qualifications,” Haji said.
The PSC is established under Article 127 of the Constitution and is tasked with providing services and facilities necessary for Parliament to effectively perform its functions.
The commission also oversees parliamentary staff and is mandated to safeguard the independence and institutional capacity of Parliament.
With the National Assembly’s approval, Ali now joins the commission as the female non-MP commissioner, replacing Ameso.
