This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
June 21, 2020
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene in the implementation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) agreement, citing continued commission of illegalities by national government officers.
According to Sonko's spokesman, Ben Mulwa, the governor feels vindicated by a court ruling that declared the establishment of NMS as illegal. The ruling, handed down by Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, stated that NMS was established without a valid instrument, as required by law.
The court suspended the declaration of illegality for 90 days, giving the national government time to establish NMS by law and provide the necessary instrument. The court also directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to address the secondment of 6,052 Nairobi County government staff to NMS within the same period.
Mr. Mulwa emphasized that Governor Sonko does not want the nullification of the agreement, but rather for everyone involved in the implementation process to do what is right within the law. He expressed hope that the national government will show goodwill and address the anomalies raised by the court ruling.
"The governor remains committed to the implementation of the Deed as it is his brainchild. He hopes that the President can initiate a process of discussion within the shortest time possible so that obligations are made clear in terms of national and county governments," said Mr. Mulwa.
