Water company hires new boss amid claims of funds loss, poor performance

Water shut-off valves. [iStokphoto]

The board of the troubled Taita-Taveta Water and Sewerage (Tavevo) has made leadership changes in the firm, aimed at improving service delivery. This comes amid claims of loss of funds and poor performance.

Engineer Rose Mbiko has replaced Richard Kibengo as managing director (MD) while former teacher Alex Mjomba takes over as chairman.

The firm owned by the county has been in the eye of the storm after the County Assembly stopped the hiring of staff over alleged irregularities.

Water County Executive Committee Member Granton Mwandawiro and Chief Officer Reuben Kitololo confirmed the changes in the firm.

They disclosed that the new MD was the only female candidate shortlisted for the interviews for the top seat. “The new MD convinced the panel and emerged the winner in the interviews,” said Kitololo yesterday.

Eng Mbiko and Mjomba take over their offices at a time when the water firm has been accused of poor performance in the provision of water services.

The firm has also been accused of irregular employment, which led to the nullification of the recruitment of 147 candidates interviewed recently by the assembly members.

During a grilling session of the water executive and former MD in August this year, the MCAs noted the recruitment exercise was not transparent and nullified it.

The MCAs took to task the executive and Tavevo board advertising vacancies which they had already decided would be filled by the existing employees.

It emerged yesterday that some of the candidates interviewed were not among those who were shortlisted for the various positions.

The firm has a total of 247 staff. Out of these, 16 are on permanent and pensionable terms, 167 are on contracts, and 64 are casuals.

In August this year, Governor Andrew Mwadime, Mwandawiro and Kibengo appeared before the Senator Committee in Nairobi over the loss of public funds amounting to Sh100 million. According to the Senate, the alleged loss of funds eroded the company’s profitability and became a threat to its sustainability.

The Senate urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate graft claims in the water firm. The new management is now tasked to implement the new water and sanitation policy that will split the water firm into two for sustainable use of water resources and development.