Kajiado MCAs table motion to nullify Finance chief officer's appointment

Kajiado County Assembly speaker Justus Ngossor leads a session as MCA's moved a motion to nullify the appointment of chief officer for finance. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Trouble is brewing in the County Assembly following a Cabinet reshuffle by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku.

A section of members wants the governor to nullify the appointment of Sankaire Tima as Finance and Economic Planning Chief Officer over concerns regarding his suitability.

House Majority Leader John Loisa, in a Motion, claimed that the nominee had repeatedly failed to comply with assembly procedures.

"Numerous audit queries were raised during his tenure, including unsupported revenue, non-compliance with collection procedures, undocumented payments and unsupported insurance and imprest transactions," said Loisa.

Loisa also alleged that during the nominee's previous tenure, the county experienced a severe decline in revenue, with a 36.3 per cent decrease overall and a 37 per cent drop in local collections for FY 2019/20, and therefore he is not fit to hold the position.

''The role of Chief Officer for Finance & Economic Planning demands integrity, motivation, and an ability to work under pressure-qualities that the nominee has not demonstrated'' Loisa told the house.

He noted that commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the county's leadership remains unwavering.

Grace Parantai, special elect member of the Assembly said the reason why GEN Z where raising issues concerning integrity in the government was to tame officers who has issues with the same.

''The recent protests by youth demanding better service delivery are a testament to the growing need for competent and ethical leaders and therefore there's an urgent need to reassess this appointment '' said Parantai.

She said the County Assembly should stand united in upholding these principles and called for immediate action to rectify this situation.

On Wednesday, Governor Joseph Ole Lenku reshuffled his entire cabinet swapping various departments.

The governor retained Alais Kisota as the Finance & Economic Planning CEC, while Leina Mppoke was appointed the Ag County Secretary.

Others are Judy Pere, Public Service Social Services Administration & Inspectorate Services, Jeremiah Ncharo Gender Cooperatives Culture Tourism & Wildlife, Dr Jacktone Achola Roads Public Works Transport & Energy, Michael Semera Water Environment Climate Change & Natural Resources Janet Sereu Education Vocational Training Youths and Sports.

Mr Alex Kilowua also retained his Medical Services & Public Health docket while Francis Sakuda
is the Agriculture Livestock & Veterinary Services Fisheries & Irrigation CEC.

Efforts to reach Mr Lenku to comment on the concerns were unsuccessful.