NMS General Badi Fires Nairobi Water Board, Appoints Ex-Colleague

Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director-General Mohamed Badi. On May 16, 2020, he decried the lack of a budget as a crippling issue in Nairobi County.
Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director-General Mohamed Badi. On May 16, 2020, he decried the lack of a budget as a crippling issue in Nairobi County.
File

UPDATE June 25, 2020: A Nairobi Court suspended the appointment of Major-General (Rtd) Andrew Ikenye as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

The court temporarily halted the appointment until a suit filed by prominent activist Okiya Omtatah was determined.

Omtatah has challenged the transfer of various functions from the Mike Sonko-led Nairobi County Government to the NMS.


Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director-General Abdalla Badi has reconstituted the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) Board in a move that will see the current members replaced.

In a gazette notice dated June 19, 2020, the DG appointed Major-General (Rtd) Andrew Ikenye as the company chairperson for a three-year period.

Ikenye who served as the commandant at the National Defence College before his retirement in 2019, will be taking over from Beryl Okumu.

Rtd Maj Gen. Andrew Ikenye (left) exchanging gifts with Amb. Yasuyoshi Komizo, the chairperson of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation in May 2019.
Rtd Maj Gen. Andrew Ikenye (left) exchanging gifts with Amb. Yasuyoshi Komizo, the chairperson of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation in May 2019.

Okumu was in turn appointed as the chairperson of the Governing Council of Kenya Water Institute by Water CS Sicily Kariuki.

Badi also appointed the following to serve as directors of the NWSC Limited with effect from June 17, 2020.

Florence Njau as Chairperson (Nairobi Branch), Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers.

Principal Secretary responsible for Water in the National Government of Kenya or his/her designate.

Principal Secretary responsible for Housing in the National Government of Kenya or his/her designate.

Principal Secretary responsible for Finance in the National Government of Kenya or his/her designate.

Deputy Director-General, Nairobi Metropolitan Services or his/her designate.

Chief Executive Officer, Athi Water Works Development Agency.

Florence Njau - Chairperson (Nairobi Branch), Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers;

Nicholas Nesbitt - Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance.

Wakaguyu wa Kibiru (Dr.) - Independent Member

Petronilla Asiyo Ogut - Independent Member

Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited (Ex-officio).

The board members who have been replaced include; Timothy Muriuki, Emmah Mukuhi, Leboo Ole Morintat, Karen Nyamu, Leonard Kamba, Mohamed Abdullahi, Martin Mbichire, and Eng Nahashon Muguna.

The DG stated that the move came after the transfer of key functions from Nairobi County to the National Government.

However, on June 18, the High Court ruled that the Deed of Transfer of Functions to the National Government from the Nairobi City County Government was vague and irregular. 

Justice Hellen Wasilwa stated that the deal was not approved by the County Assembly, therefore, making it unlawful.

The new appointments come as the National Government plans to spend Ksh18 billion on the renewal of water infrastructure and sewers extension in Nairobi.

A photo of Nairobi Metropolitan Services boss Major General Mohamed Badi (left) and Governor Mike Sonko.
Nairobi Metropolitan Services boss Major General Mohamed Badi (left) and Governor Mike Sonko.
Daily Nation