Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Under Fire Over KSh 20M Uniform Funds Misuse
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of mismanaging KSh 20 million that had been allocated for the purchase of uniforms for over 1,000 county inspectorate officers. The funds were set aside to ensure the new recruits could complete their training and graduate, but a lack of uniforms has delayed their pass-out parade indefinitely.
During an oversight committee meeting on Wednesday, March 26, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, led by Mugumu-ini MCA Jared Akama, expressed shock upon learning that the funds had been diverted to other expenditures, including legal fees. This mismanagement has resulted in recruits being deployed to work without undergoing the necessary oath-taking and official confirmation, raising concerns about the legality of their operations.
The planned graduation ceremony, initially scheduled for July 2024, was postponed, and no new date has been set. Benjamin Omondi, the head of operations for the City Inspectorate, shared the recruits’ frustrations, stating that many are uncertain about their future.
“The governor insists the funds have been used by his office, despite our efforts to follow proper procedures,” Omondi said, urging the committee to resolve the financial crisis so the recruits could be formally confirmed in their roles.
In response, committee vice chairman Hamisi Maleya ordered relevant officials to appear before the committee to address the matter. Maleya also warned that enforcement officers cannot legally perform their duties, including making arrests, without taking the required oath, placing them at significant legal risk.
Sakaja’s Administration Faces Further Scrutiny Over KSh 140M Donation
This is not the first financial controversy facing the Nairobi County government. In May 2024, questions arose over the handling of a KSh 140 million donation from the French government meant for Sakaja’s Dishi na County school feeding program. The funds were reportedly wired directly to the implementing organization, Food4Education Foundation, bypassing standard county financial procedures.
The County Assembly Committee on Health raised concerns over transparency in the program’s funding. Health CEC Susan Silantoi struggled to clarify how much of the funds had been allocated to subsidizing the KSh 5 daily meal cost for the 25,000 students benefiting from the initiative.
With these financial mismanagement concerns mounting, Nairobi residents and county assembly members are calling for increased accountability from the governor’s office. As investigations continue, all eyes are on Sakaja to see how he navigates the growing pressure to justify the use of public funds.
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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Under Fire Over KSh 20M Uniform Funds Misuse