Uhuru fires broadcasting and telecommunication PS Fatuma Hirsi for the second time in one year

Uhuru fires PS for the second time in one year

Tony Mukere

March 1, 2019 11:13 AM

Unlucky woman?

Uhuru fires broadcasting and telecommunication PS Fatuma Hirsifor the second time in one year

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday fired Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication in the Ministry of ICT Fatuma Hirsi for the second time in the past year.

Hirsi served as Tourism PS in President Kenyatta’s first term (from 2015) but was left without portfolio in the Cabinet reshuffle announced in January 2018.

After 6 months without portfolio, Public Service head informed Hirsi that her appointment had been revoked, effective June 30^th of 2018.

Uhuru fires broadcasting and telecommunication PS Fatuma Hirsi for the second time in one year Pulse Live Kenya

Wajir Elders

In October last year, President Kenyatta appointed her PS for State Department of Broadcasting & Telecommunication after lobbying by elders in Hirsi’s home county of Wajir.

On Friday when President terminated the PS’ appointment, no reasons were given.

It was not immediately clear why she had had a rough time in government as she is seen as one of the most-hardworking PSs, with numerous awards to her name.

During her time as Tourism PS, Hirsi was honoured by 2 international bodies, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) and the Institute of South Asian Women (ISAW) for reforms credited with growing the country's tourists’ numbers and higher revenues.

“Ms Hirsi is the Woman Achiever-Tourism Promotion. She has steered the ministry and the tourism sector to become the second highest foreign exchange earner in the country with a growth rate of about 17 per cent in both arrivals and revenue receipts,” noted ISAW.

She has not been mentioned in any public scandal during her time in government.

Tony Mukere