This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken drastic measures to address the recent school tragedy that claimed the lives of eight pupils in Nairobi's Ngando Ward. On September 23, 2019, a classroom at Precious Talent School collapsed, resulting in the deaths of eight students and leaving several others injured.
As part of his efforts to restore order and sanity in the county, Governor Sonko has suspended 16 county officials, including Charles Kerich, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning. Kerich is also the immediate former County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Urban Planning.
"I assured Nairobi residents that as the Governor, I will not leave any stone unturned until we reverse the effects of the impunity that was spearheaded by a few rogue officials within the Urban Planning Department," said Sonko in a statement.
Other officials suspended include Mohammed Dagane, CECM Health; Justus Kathenge, suspended County Chief Officer for Urban Planning; Jusper Ndeke, Director Planning Compliance and Enforcement; and Dominic Mutegi, Development Management Director.
Additionally, Ochanda Ondari Fredrick, Assistant Director Enforcement; Ruth Waruguru, Director Urban Planning; Thomas Dudi, Assistant Director Planning; Simon Onyango, Development Officer; Alex Mucheru, Development Control; Mackline Saitera, Development Control; Edna Guantai, In-charge of approval of public buildings and schools; Joyce Kyengo, Dagoretti South Sub-County Administrator; Lucy Wairimu Munyika, Dagoretti South Sub-County Commander; Sylivia Mwikali Nthinga, Dagoretti South Sub-County Planning Officer; and Kennedy, Ngando Ward Administrator, have also been suspended.
Meanwhile, Governor Sonko has appointed Pauline Kahiga as the acting CECM Finance and Economic Planning while Veska Kangogo is the acting CECM Health.
According to Precious Talent Academy owner, Moses Wainaina, the Nairobi County Government might have played a part in the collapse of a classroom in the school. Wainaina stated that the county administration dug a sewer line behind the classrooms which weakened their foundations.
Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna described the tragedy as saddening.
