Governor Evans Kidero reshuffles cabinet, replaces environment and sanitation boss

Governor Dr Evans Kidero whose government has been facing challenges with garbage collection announced the changes on Thursday. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: City Governor Evans Kidero Thursday made significant changes in his County Cabinet in what he termed as a much needed move in enhancing the image and service delivery of the Nairobi City county Government.

The reshuffle came amidst furore by some members of the public as well as fellow City hall members who had claimed that those in certain dockets were unable to effectively deliver, terming them as incompetent.

"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 that 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 Chief Officer Environment, Energy, Water & Sanitation was stripped of the docket and replaced by Christine Ogut, who formerly held the position of Chief Officer Transport, Infrastructure & Public Works.

However, Evans Ondieki retained his reign as C.E.C member for Environment, Energy, Water & Sanitation.

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."

Leah Oyake had come on the spot several times due to the garbage menace in the City that had turned into an eye-soar, posing health concerns.

Former Health Officer Robert Ayisi was appointed as the acting County Secretary, a position which was formerly head by Gregory S. Mwakanongo also in acting capacity.

Tom Odongo was appointed as the new County Executive Committee Member for Urban Renewal & Housing, being replaced by Christopher Khaemba in his former docket as Urban Planning and Lands county executive.

Anne Lokidor replaced Khaemba as the C.E.C Education Youth Sports, Gender Affairs & Culture & Social Services. Lokidor formerly held the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Docket.

Members that retained their dockets include, Dr Bernard Muia for Health Services,
Mohammed Abdullahi in the Transport, Infrastructure & Public Works, Anna Othoro as the Trade, Commerce & Industry, Tourism, Cooperative Societies executive member as well as Gregory S. Mwakanongo as the County's chief executive Finance & Economic Planning member.

George Wainaina however retained his position as the County's chief of staff. Public Service Management & Reforms docket is under the care of Mercy Kamau.

Other appointees in the Chief Officer dockets include; Gad Awuonda as the Legal Advisor/County Attorney. John Ntoiti in charge of Sub County Administration. Dr. Jasper Baranya in the Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries Forestry & Natural Resources docket, Andrew Mwanthi in the Education Youth Sports, Gender Affairs & Culture & Social Services, and George Ombua in the ICT & e-Government dockets respectively.