Sakaja seeks EACC probe into City Hall job scam

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. [David Gichuru,Standard]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to assist in investigating corruption in Nairobi County's employment process.

In a letter addressed to EACC boss Twalib Mbarak dated January 3, 2024, Sakaja said that he was alarmed by how job seekers were being coerced to pay money in exchange for opportunities at City Hall.

"This practice which is essentially a form of corruption and extortion, is not only unethical but blatantly illegal, severely undermining the integrity of the employment practices in the public sector," the letter seen by The Standard reads.

It adds that several people have lost their cash in quest for employment only to be left without the promised jobs.

The County boss regretted that this form of corruption is devastating in an area where rampant and economic struggles are a daily reality for many.

"In light of these disturbing reports, I respectfully request your intervention to conduct a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into these allegations," the letter to EACC says.

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed that the Commission received the letter on January 4.

"The Commission is in receipt of the letter and is analyzing its contents to inform relevant interventions in accordance with the commission's mandate," Ngumbi responded.

Even though Governor Sakaja did not respond to our inquiry why he has decided to involve the investigators.

The letter in part says that the investigations would only help in identifying and prosecuting those responsible and also act as a strong deterrent against such corrupt practices in the future.

This, Sakaja added, will ensure that employment opportunities in the county are awarded based on merit and qualifications and not on financial influence.

For a while now some City residents have been expressing their concerns over citing the opaque manner in which recruitment exercises are conducted.

This has resulted in many court cases that usually block the county from carrying out some recruitment.

In one of the cases last year, County Public Service Board cancelled interviews for candidates shortlisted for positions of medical officers over alleged malpractices in the selection process.

The letter inviting EACC to carry out investigations in the County comes about three months after the Commission raised a red flag over transparency of the revenue collection system in the County.

EACC had listed Nairobi, Kilifi, Kajiado and Narok counties as the most with revenue loopholes that were being investigated.