Machakos governor sacks education minister over poor performance

Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti speaks after she received reports from different task forces she commissioned in November 2022 to look into operations in different government departments at her Machakos office on July 6, 2023. [John Muia, Standard]

Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti has sacked county education minister Philip Mutua Kilonzo after accusing him of failing in his duties.

"I have reviewed his performance and come to the conclusion that it is untenable for him to continue holding office as CEC. This decision has been informed by the need to uphold high standards of services we deliver to the people of Machakos County," the governor said in a statement.

Wavinya said she found Kilonzo incapable of effectively discharging his duties as CEC for Education even as she reassigned the docket to Dr Consolata Mutisya, who was the County Executive Committee member for Roads, Transport and Public Works.

This leaves the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works without a substantive CEC. It is not clear when the governor will fill the position.

Wavinya's move comes barely a month after a cabinet reshuffle that saw several ministers and chief officers moved.

Kilonzo had hardly settled in the Department of Education, from Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Energy where he initially served, before he was shown the door.

He becomes the second CEC to exit Wavinya's cabinet after the former Youth, Sports and Gender minister Onesmus Muasya tendered his resignation to pursue other interests.

During recent public participation forums across the 40 wards, the governor said she would not hesitate to sack non-performing staff.

"Machakos voters are our bosses and all county government workers, including myself, are answerable to them. I will not sit and watch as things go wrong. Even if it means somebody going home, so shall it be," Wavinya said.