President William Ruto has nominated Pius Angasa to serve on the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Board of Directors, a move now awaiting parliamentary approval within a constitutionally set deadline.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the nomination during a parliamentary session on Thursday, confirming that the process would be guided by both the Central Bank of Kenya Act and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
“I wish to report to the House that I have received a message from His Excellency the President regarding the nomination of a person for appointment to the board of the Central Bank of Kenya,” Wetang’ula told MPs.
He confirmed that Angasa’s curriculum vitae and supporting documents had already been forwarded to the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Planning, which is expected to begin the vetting process immediately.
28 Days, One Recess
While the CBK Act does not set a clear timeframe for vetting, the Public Appointments Act does. Parliament has 28 days to complete the process, setting the final deadline at 20 August 2025.
However, with Parliament scheduled to go on recess from 15 August, Wetang’ula urged lawmakers to move quickly.
“I urge the Committees to fast-track the process,” the Speaker said. “The joint committee should expedite its work and submit a report by Tuesday, 12th August.”
If consensus is not reached during joint deliberations, each House—the Senate and National Assembly—will be required to vote separately. Wetang’ula also outlined quorum requirements for the joint sittings, emphasising procedural clarity as Parliament heads into a tight schedule.
Why the Board Matters
The CBK Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping Kenya’s monetary policy and ensuring accountability within the country's financial sector. The 11-member board includes the Governor, Chairperson, Principal Secretary to the National Treasury, and eight non-executive directors, all appointed by the President.
Board members oversee the performance of the Central Bank, help appoint senior officials including the Governor, and ensure the institution adheres to sound governance practices.
Angasa’s nomination comes at a time when the CBK is under increasing pressure to stabilise inflation, manage the weakening shilling, and maintain confidence in Kenya’s financial system amid tough economic conditions.
Next Steps
The focus now shifts to Parliament, where Angasa will face questions about his qualifications, experience, and vision for the bank.
While his professional background has not been publicly detailed yet, all eyes will be on the Finance and Planning Committee as it prepares to conduct the vetting in the coming days.
If approved, Angasa would step into a powerful role with significant influence over how the Central Bank navigates Kenya’s evolving economic landscape.