Confusion continues at the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA) after the decision to extend the tenure of acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Tsuma. Coast Water Works Development Agency CEO Martin Tsuma and Director Hamid Mbarak
The board granted Tsuma an additional six months in office, even after conducting interviews to fill the position permanently.
The move raises more questions as the agency struggles with allegations of corruption.
Insider reports indicate that three names had already been forwarded to the Ministry of Water for consideration.
“They have extended his contract by six months and there is a possibility that the appointment of a new CEO may not happen anytime soon,” the source stated.
The decision was reportedly made after consultation with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Elias Chimulambe.
There are now fears that powerful interests in the water ministry may influence the process of selecting a new CEO.
The matter has been clouded by allegations of corruption, which have been widely circulated on social media.
Reports have linked chairman Daniel Mwaringa, acting CEO Martin Tsuma, and some board members to claims of soliciting bribes and collecting large sums of money from the 12 candidates who qualified for the interviews.
This adds to internal battles that have characterized the agency, which manages multi-billion-shilling World Bank-funded projects.
It is also alleged that Tsuma and a board member identified as Hamid Mbarak orchestrated the dismissal of Simon Charo Menza, who was seen as a top competitor for the CEO position.
The new CEO was expected to oversee the rollout of Ksh 6 billion water projects meant to improve supply in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
This includes constructing a major water transmission pipeline and a reservoir connecting the two counties.
The project is scheduled to commence before the end of the 2023/24 financial year, with the procurement process already in progress.
The candidates who participated in the interviews for the CEO position were Abdikadir Mohammed, Abdulhakim Aboud Bwana from Lamu, Abedi Joseph Malusha from Taita Taveta, Ahmed Adan Hefow from Wajir, Biwottt Gilbert Kipkorir from Uasin Gishu, CPA Florence Tabu Birya from Kilifi, and Eng. Ndunya David Ngumbao from Kilifi.
Others were Hamoud Mwinyi Mguza from Mombasa, Ibrahim Ahmed Sane from Tana River, Kennedy Tembo Francis, whose county was not indicated, Richard Kibengo Wandana from Taita Taveta, and Stella Wawuda Tayo from Taita Taveta.
The water agency has also been grappling with internal disputes, including allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly the interdiction of Human Resource Manager Simon Charo Menza.