Major changes as Kidero reshuffles and expands city government

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has made changes in his government and increased the number of dockets from nine to 10.

The lands ministry was split into two, with the Urban Planning and Lands docket going to Christopher Khaemba and the Urban Renewal and Housing to Patrick Tom Odongo.

He said the move was needed to enhance the image and service delivery of the Nairobi County government.

"In order to enhance service delivery, I have reviewed the functions of my government and re-organised it to give Nairobians better service delivery that will ensure that the capital city remains the city of choice to invest, work and live in," said Kidero.

He said the re-organisation involved structural and key personnel changes aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability of staff in their duties.

Leah Oyake, who was previously the Environment chief officer, was stripped of the docket and replaced by Christine Ogut, who formerly held the position of Transport chief officer.

Evans Ondieki retained his position as Environment executive member.

During his address at City Hall, Kidero said, "The Environmental docket needs someone who is an engineer in order to deal with the challenges that come with it especially the garbage menace."

Ms Oyake had been on the spot several times due to the garbage menace in the city.

Former Health Officer Robert Ayisi was appointed as the acting county secretary, a position which was formerly held by Gregory Mwakanongo also in acting capacity. Assembly members from the Jubilee had claimed that the governor was "wrong for appointing Ayisi as he was marred by integrity issues".

Anne Lokidor, who formerly held the Information Communication Technology docket, replaced Khaemba as the education executive member. Members who retained their dockets include Bernard Muia for health services.

Other appointees in the Chief Officer dockets included Gad Awuonda as the legal advisor/county attorney.