The suspension of 16 officials in the Planning department of Nairobi City county will not affect service delivery, Governor Mike Sonko has assured residents.
Sonko on Wednesday afternoon suspended Finance Executive Charles Kerich and 15 other officials from the planning department.
He said the suspensions are meant to pave way for uninterrupted investigations into the tragedy at the Precious Talent Academy where a classroom wall collapsed killing eight students.
Kerich is the immediate former CEC for Lands and Urban planning.
Also suspended is Mohammed Dagane who is the CEM for Health.
He is responsible for public health and safety.
Sonko taunted his critics who questioned his leadership style.
“When President Uhuru suspended his Finance & Treasury CS Henry Rotich and Treasury PS Thugge, and over 20 Treasury and Government officials including NEMA Director General on 25th July 2019, the Star did not report crisis in the Country,” Sonko posted on his facebook.
He said other Governors have sacked their officers and the Paper never reported any crisis.
To ensure that there is continued service delivery, the Governor has appointed Agriculture and Livestock CEM Pauline Kahiga as Acting Finance CEM while Environment’s Vesca Kagongo will take over the Health docket in an acting capacity.
Sonko has instructed the two to ensure that operations in the sector continue without any shortcomings.
“They have to ensure that all key operations remain intact for the benefit of Nairobi residents,” Sonko said.
Also suspended are Justus Kathenge, who is already serving suspension as the Chief Officer for Urban Planning (to continue in suspension).
Before the tragic incident at Precious Talent Academy, the governor had ordered a thorough audit of the Urban Planning Department following complaints from the public and sector players that key officials were demanding bribes to irregularly approve buildings.
The Governor has notified the public to beware that the following are the appointed CECs leading the key sectors at City Hall.
Alan Igambi – Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives, Newton Munene – ICT and E-government, while Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock is headed by Pauline Kahiga who is now the acting Finance CEM.
Others are Larry Wambua – Devolution Public Service and Administration, Lucia Mulwa – Education, Youth Sports and Social Services, Vesca Kangogo – Environment, Energy and Water Sanitation.
The county also has Winnie Kathangu who is the current Lands, Housing Urban Planning and Renewal CEC and Hiten Majievdya who is in charge of Roads and Transport.
Sonko said other positions at the planning department that have been left uncovered following the suspensions will be filled in acting capacity in the course of the week.