Former Wajir County Woman Representative Fatuma Ibrahim Ali has pledged to promote consensus, integrity and teamwork in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) after taking oath as the new female non-Member Commissioner.

Hon. Fatuma was sworn in on Thursday after Parliament approved her appointment to replace former commissioner Rachel Ameso, whose term had ended.

Her appointment followed a competitive recruitment process in which the Commission interviewed her and other shortlisted candidates on September 10, 2026.

She emerged the highest-ranked candidate among the 12 shortlisted applicants after being assessed on her academic qualifications, experience in public affairs, understanding of the mandate of Parliament and the PSC, leadership and management skills and compliance with the leadership and integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The Senate approved her appointment on October 1, while the National Assembly endorsed her nomination on Wednesday, October 7.

Speaking after taking the oath, Hon. Fatuma said she was humbled by the opportunity to serve and promised to work with fellow commissioners to safeguard the mandate of the PSC.

“I am a person who believes in consensus in commissions. Consensus is very crucial in decision-making, and I am committed to working on consensus at all times,” she said.

She said consensus would be important in ensuring that the Commission remained focused on its constitutional mandate and protected the interests of Parliament.

Ms Fatuma thanked Parliament, the PSC leadership, her political party and those who supported her appointment.

She also recalled her previous association with Speaker and PSC chairman Moses Wetang’ula, saying they had worked together during her time in Parliament and when she sought election to the East African Legislative Assembly.

Ms Fatuma served as the Wajir County Woman Representative and was a member of the 11th Parliament.

Welcoming her to the Commission, National Assembly Speaker and PSC chairman Moses Wetang’ula said Hon. Fatuma brought with her a wealth of experience that would strengthen the institution.

The Speaker said the new commissioner was joining the PSC at a time when the Commission was seeking to strengthen Parliament, uphold integrity and improve public understanding of its work.

“You have been in this Parliament with us. You have a rich history behind you and I have no doubt whatsoever that you will add value to this Commission,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

He said Ms Fatuma would be expected to be a team player and put the interests of Parliament, MPs, staff and the institution of democracy ahead of personal, sectarian or regional interests.

The Speaker also praised Ms. Ameso, whom Ms Fatuma replaced, saying she had left an “indelible mark” during her tenure.

Hon. Wetang’ula said the PSC had adopted consensus as its preferred method of decision-making, noting that the Commission had never voted on an issue.

“We have never voted on any issue, and we are unlikely to vote on any issue. If we don’t agree, we sleep over it and come the next day,” he said.

He explained that consensus helped the Commission remain united and avoid divisions that could arise from voting.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Hon. Faith Gitau said she had known Hon. Fatuma for more than a decade and had worked with her during her bid to join the East African Legislative Assembly.

Hon. Gitau described the new commissioner as a person with a strong commitment to public service and welcomed her to the PSC.

“It’s a heart to serve, and I know you have the brains for this job,” she said.

PSC Commissioner Hon. Johnson Muthama also welcomed Ms Fatuma, saying her record in public service had prepared her for the demanding responsibilities of the Commission.

Hon. Muthama said the PSC had a heavy workload and assured the new commissioner of the support of her colleagues and the chairman.

“We are non-elected commissioners, so a lot is expected from us. One thing I can assure you is that the commissioners have great support and the leadership of the chairman,” he said.

Mavoko MP Hon. Patrick Makau, who said he had worked with Hon. Fatuma in the 11th Parliament, described her appointment as an opportunity to continue serving the country.

He assured her that the Commission would provide a supportive environment as she settled into her new role.

Likoni MP Hon. Mishi Mboko said she had known Ms Fatuma for more than 20 years and had worked with her in ODM party structures and in Parliament.

Hon. Mboko said Ms Fatuma had demonstrated integrity and experience in public service and would bring valuable expertise to the Commission.

“She is a team player, so it will not be difficult for her to be in the spirit which we have here in this Commission,” Hon. Mboko said.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga welcomed Ms Fatuma as the newest member of the Commission saying she would find it easy to settle in because several commissioners had worked with her before.

Senator Wamatinga said her experience would be useful in the committees she would serve in and encouraged her to share her knowledge with colleagues.

He said the Commission would also benefit from her experience in public affairs, particularly as the country approaches the next General Election.

Nyamira Senator Hon. Okong’o Omogeni, who represented the PSC position during the parliamentary approval process, congratulated Ms Fatuma on behalf of the Senate.

Senator Omogeni said her ranking at the top of the recruitment process reflected her record and experience in public affairs.

He said the appointment was both a privilege and a responsibility because the Commission serves Parliament and its members.

PSC Vice-Chairperson and Nominated Senator Joyce Korir also congratulated Ms Fatuma, wishing her wisdom, integrity and courage as she begins her tenure.

Senator Korir said she had known Ms Fatuma for about a decade and expressed confidence that she would make a positive contribution to the Commission.

She said Ms Fatuma had the responsibility of building on the work of Ms Ameso, who she described as a gracious commissioner who had made a significant contribution to the PSC.

The PSC is established under Article 127 of the Constitution and is responsible for providing services and facilities necessary for the efficient and effective functioning of Parliament.

The Commission also constitutes offices in the Parliamentary Service, appoints and supervises office holders, prepares annual expenditure estimates and exercises budgetary control over the Parliamentary Service.

It also undertakes programmes to promote the ideals of parliamentary democracy and performs other functions necessary for the welfare of MPs and parliamentary staff.

Hon. Wetang’ula urged Ms Fatuma to use her experience to strengthen the Commission and help Parliament deliver its mandate of representation, legislation and oversight.

He also challenged the commissioners to continue engaging with the public through outreach programmes, saying Kenyans should understand the work and role of Parliament.

The Speaker said the Commission would continue working to improve Parliament and strengthen public confidence in the institution.

“By building consensus, you carry everybody. When you vote, you split yourselves. So we want to build consensus and hold this Parliament together,” Mr Wetang’ula said.