Leaders of various committees at the Nairobi City County Assembly are facing intense criticism from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) for their failure to fulfil crucial duties. Committee heads are being accused of withholding critical statements and reports, many of which have been delayed for months, or even a year, with no sign of resolution.
Inside sources within the assembly reveal that some of the sensitive reports, particularly those involving the executive, have been intentionally withheld by the assembly leadership under Speaker Ken Ongondi and Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, allegedly to shield Governor Sakaja’s administration from scrutiny.
One of the most glaring examples of this issue involves MCA Otieno Onyango of Ngei Ward, who requested a report on the staffing and retirement status of county employees in July 2024. While the Speaker received the report on July 23 and committed to releasing it within three weeks, six months later, the report has not been delivered.
The MCA sought information on staff employed since September 2022, including details on retirees, benefits, and removal from the payroll. This crucial issue remains unresolved within the sectoral committee, with no clarity on when the report will be made available.
Further delays have plagued other requests, including a statement about road renovations in Nairobi. On February 14, 2024, Hon. Otieno inquired about the status of contractor payments and whether funds had been allocated by the executive. As of now, this matter remains pending, with no update from the committee chair.
Similarly, on March 20, 2024, Robert Alai, MCA for Kileleshwa, requested a statement regarding the county’s appointment of officers in acting capacities. He specifically asked whether the executive was complying with the Public Service Commission Act 2023. Despite this request, the statement remains unaddressed, and the executive has once again appointed an acting county secretary, Godfrey Akumali, replacing Patrick Analo who had been in an acting role for over a year.
In December 2024, Deputy Majority Whip Stazo Omung’ala raised concerns about illegal public service vehicle termini at Caltex and Naivas supermarket in Upper Savanna Ward, urging the committee on roads to provide clarity on the deployment of traffic marshals and the existence of designated termini. Despite the Speaker receiving the statement on December 9, 2024, no progress has been made, and traffic congestion continues to plague the area.
Lastly, Hon. Joyce Muthoni of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee requested a statement on the failure of the County Attorney’s office to submit mandatory annual reports, as per the Nairobi County Office of the County Attorney Act, 2016. This request, dating back to October 2024, sought detailed financial and personnel reports. Despite a scheduled delivery date of January 2024, this statement has yet to be presented.
As delays continue to mount, MCAs are accusing committee leaders of obstructing transparency and accountability, with many questioning whether these ongoing omissions are a deliberate effort to protect the executive’s interests.
