This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
City Hall staff sackings and suspensions have raised concerns about Governor Sonko's leadership style, with MCAs questioning the legality of the actions and demanding a report on the affected staff.
Since Governor Sonko took over at City Hall in 2017, he has sacked and suspended more than 500 members of staff, with 16 officials suspended in October 2019 following a building collapse at Precious Talent School in Dagoretti, Nairobi, that killed eight pupils.
According to Mowlem Ward MCA Benson Mwangi, the suspensions and demotions have led to a shortage of staff and consequently caused delays in service delivery, including planning approvals, processing of permits, revenue collection, and health service delivery.
Mr. Mwangi has demanded that Governor Sonko provide a report on staff that have been demoted, suspended or sacked since 2017, and whether the sackings and suspensions were legal.
He also wants to know whether the staff who have been suspended are in full or half pay and whether the positions being held in an acting capacity, including that of the County Secretary, will be confirmed or let loose.
Despite advertising 14 positions at City Hall in June 2019 to curb the staff shortage, the MCAs remain concerned about the impact of the sackings and suspensions on service delivery.
