By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing intensifying pressure from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to make permanent appointments to several critical positions at City Hall. A number of these offices have remained vacant or are being managed by acting officers, a situation that has sparked concerns over service delivery and exposed the Governor’s struggle to balance competing political interests.
At the centre of the standoff is the powerful office of the County Secretary, held in an acting capacity by Godfrey Akumali since August 2024. Despite the strategic importance of the role in coordinating the county executive, Sakaja has so far avoided naming a substantive officeholder. According to well-placed sources, the position has become the subject of intense lobbying from influential political figures and MCAs, turning it into one of the most fiercely contested seats within the county administration.
The County Assembly has previously flexed its muscle on this matter, rejecting the nomination of Jairus Musumba, who was succeeded briefly by Patrick Analo in an acting capacity before Akumali assumed the role. Fearing another rejection, Sakaja has reportedly delayed making a permanent decision, a move that has only deepened frustrations among MCAs.
Another critical office in limbo is that of the Director of Administration. Although the Public Service Board advertised the position, shortlisted candidates, and even conducted interviews, no appointment has been made, more than four months later. The role had previously been held by Dominic Odera, seconded from the national government, before his retirement. Since then, Peter Ogolla has been acting in the position, but pressure is mounting for Sakaja to make a substantive appointment.
The Chief Officer for the Inspectorate has also been affected by leadership uncertainty. Following the transfer of Tony Kimani to the Social Services docket, the role was temporarily assigned to Eva Wario. However, her acting contract expired on 7 September 2025. Despite the lapse, she has continued to serve without formal extension, drawing criticism from MCAs who argue she has failed to provide effective leadership. They are now calling for her immediate replacement with a substantive appointee.
Sources at City Hall reveal that the mounting pressure is fast reaching a breaking point. MCAs have openly threatened to block the upcoming finance bill and withhold county funds if Sakaja fails to act on the appointments. The legislators argue that the continued reliance on acting officers undermines accountability and contributes to inefficiency in service delivery.
Governor Sakaja now finds himself caught between political caution and the urgent need to stabilise the county administration. His next move will not only determine the functionality of City Hall but could also shape his political standing as Nairobi’s Governor.
