This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 23, 2019, a devastating classroom collapse at Precious Talents School in Ngando Ward, Nairobi, claimed the lives of eight pupils and left dozens injured. In response, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko suspended 16 officials, including Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee (CEC) member Charles Kerich and his Health counterpart Mohammed Dagane.
Sonko stated that the suspension would facilitate impartial investigations into the incident and the conclusion of an ongoing comprehensive systems audit in the Urban Planning Department.
He attributed the tragedy to impunity spearheaded by rogue officials within the department, which had led to years of flouting Physical Planning Regulations.
‘I am convinced beyond doubt that drastic measures have to be taken to reverse the effects of years of flouting Physical Planning Regulations and restore order and sanity, before illegal structures claim more lives as has repeatedly happened before,’ Sonko said in a statement.
Pauline Kahiga has been appointed to replace Kerich in an acting capacity, while Veska Kangogo makes a comeback as the Acting CECM Health with immediate effect.
Others affected by the suspension include Justus Kathenge, the County Chief Officer for Urban Planning, and several other officials from the Urban Planning Department.
As investigations into the tragedy continue, the owner of the school, Moses Wainaina, has blamed the county government, claiming that it dug a sewer line behind the classrooms, which weakened their foundations.
