Sources close to the board say the delay stems from the governor’s rejection of certain nominees who emerged as top scorers during the interview process, reportedly because they are not aligned with his political preferences. “The governor wants his people in key roles, but the board insists on merit,” a senior county official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Weekly Vision.
The most glaring standoff is within the Built Environment and Urban Planning Department. Interviews for several senior positions were held on 23 April 2025, including the post of Director of Planning Compliance and Enforcement. Among the key contenders was Chief Officer Patrick Analo Akivaga, who controversially opted to pursue the lower-ranking position of Director, despite the Chief Officer role being more lucrative and influential.
Observers were puzzled by Analo’s decision, but sources indicate that his term as Chief Officer is ending, and any renewal would require approval from the County Assembly, where he is said to be in poor standing, a fallout with MCAs during his brief stint as Acting County Secretary may have eroded his support.
Even more intriguing are reports that Analo’s main rival, Raphael Kazungu, performed better in the interviews, but was edged out due to the governor’s alleged preference for Analo. The impasse has paralysed the appointment process not just for that post but for a host of others, including deputy and assistant director roles, as well as planning enforcement officers.
The same drama appears to be playing out in the Finance Department, where interviews for the positions of Assistant Director for Economic Planning, plus that of Accounting and Financial Reporting, were concluded months ago. Still, the board has yet to announce any appointments.
In the Directorate of Cooperatives under the Business Hustler and Opportunities sector, the silence has been equally deafening. Interviews for positions including Chief and Principal Cooperative Officers were held earlier this year, yet the roles remain vacant.
Perhaps the most politically charged delay surrounds the Inspectorate Department, following the transfer of former Chief Officer Tony Kimani. Eva Wario, who is currently acting in the role, has reportedly not met the required qualifications for the post. Nonetheless, her alleged close ties to Governor Sakaja have sparked speculation that she may be confirmed as the permanent Chief Officer.
This move is being resisted by some in the department, who favour Inspectorate Director Benjamin Omondi, a popular figure among enforcement officers. However, Omondi is said to have a strained relationship with the governor, once again highlighting how personal affiliations may be trumping professional credentials.
The stalemate has raised serious concerns about governance and transparency within the Sakaja administration. The PSB’s original push to regularise roles through competitive recruitment now appears to have been compromised by political interference, leaving critical departments leaderless and demoralised.
“What message does this send to professionals who hope to advance on merit?” one insider asked. “That political loyalty, not qualifications, is the real currency at City Hall?”
Unless the impasse is resolved soon, the county risks further delays in service delivery, erosion of public trust, and reputational damage to institutions meant to safeguard fairness and integrity in public appointments.
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