Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is poised to introduce a wave of transformative reforms at City Hall early next year, with a sharp focus on streamlining revenue collection and addressing inefficiencies. Central to these changes are the county’s Liquor, Betting, and Land departments, revenue streams that have reportedly suffered from mismanagement and alleged cartel influence.
The Public Service Board has already initiated a competitive recruitment process to revitalize these departments by filling critical positions with skilled professionals. Advertisements have been rolled out for roles previously held by acting or underperforming officials, signalling the governor’s commitment to accountability and performance.
Liquor Department Under the Microscope
The Liquor department, in particular, has come under scrutiny for significant revenue gaps. Allegations of collusion between liquor officers and bar and restaurant owners have prompted Sakaja to declare key positions vacant, including that of the Director of Licensing, currently occupied by Rhoda Otieno. Additionally, the role of Principal Licensing Officer is being restructured to attract more competent talent.
Betting and Gaming Overhaul
The Betting, Lottery, and Gaming sector is another focal point of Sakaja’s reform agenda. Despite its potential to generate substantial revenue, the sector has underperformed under the current leadership of Geoffrey Mwithimbu. To address this, the county has advertised vacancies for gaming inspectors, senior licensing officers, and assistant directors. Insiders suggest that this shake-up is aimed at dismantling entrenched inefficiencies and boosting revenue collection.
Tackling Land Cartels
The land department, long plagued by allegations of cartel control, is also on Sakaja’s radar. Positions for Director and Deputy Director of Land Administration have been advertised, to introduce fresh talent capable of driving transparency and accountability in this vital sector.
Leadership Shake-Up in Administration
The Directorate of County Administration, a pivotal role in county governance, is undergoing significant changes as well. Governor Sakaja has advertised the position of Director of Administration, previously held by Dominic Odera, and currently occupied by Mr. Oggolla, whose appointment is now under review due to allegations of ineffectiveness.
Inspectorate and Retirement Impacts
As nearly 100 county employees prepare to retire by the end of this month, the inspectorate department is particularly affected. Governor Sakaja is expected to leverage this opportunity to rejuvenate the workforce and align his administration with his revenue enhancement strategy.
With these bold moves, Governor Sakaja appears determined to restore public trust and maximize Nairobi’s revenue potential, sending a strong message that inefficiency and collusion will no longer be tolerated at City Hall.
