Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended his administration against claims of hiring old employees.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Cohesion chaired by Senator Mohammed Said, Sakaja highlighted his administration’s efforts to balance the representation of various demographics within his administration.
He told the Committee that his administration has employed individuals from diverse age groups including the youth.
“I believe in young people. I am less than 40 years old as the governor of Nairobi, but I also believe in drawing wisdom from the old. I have ensured that both young and old are represented in the cabinet,” he stated.
Sakaja emphasized on the importance of having both young and older people in his workforce saying the two groups complement each other.
“Where energy is needed, we have young people. Where wisdom is required, we have the experienced,” he explained.
Employment in Nairobi County
The governor also noted that over 8,000 people have been employed under his leadership, including 172 individuals with disabilities.
However, he acknowledged that while the workforce was previously dominated by those employees with over 50 years, his administration has made strides in hiring younger individuals, including those hired under the Green Army who are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the city.
“These workers are not enough to serve the over 5 million people, but we will address that in due time. I can confirm that we have balanced ethnicity across all tribes, reflecting Nairobi’s cosmopolitan nature,” he assured the committee.
On concerns about community representation, the governor emphasized that all 42 ethnicities in Kenya are well represented in the county’s human resource, adding that there are plans in place to empower young people, women, and people with living with disabilities through various procurement opportunities.
Also Read: Sakaja on the Spot for Operating 23 Bank Accounts
Sakaja to Hire 50 Lawyers
Responding to queries on pending bills before the committee, Sakaja expressed optimism of clearing the debts by the end of the financial year, despite having inherited Ksh107 billion in unpaid obligations from the previous administration.
“We have to scrutinize these bills thoroughly, but I am hopeful we shall pay them. The national government owes us Ksh 120 billion, and we are optimistic they will pay us,” he explained.
Also Read: Sakaja Approves Top Management Changes for Hospitals
The governor revealed that an initial report showed that the county owed lawyers Ksh 21 billion, but a further investigation revealed the amount was lower, less than Ksh 11 billion.
“We can’t pay Ksh21 billion to lawyers. That’s an enormous sum, and we’re not in a position to settle it unless legal services are the only thing we’re supposed to do in Nairobi,” he said.
Following the discrepancies in the county finances, Sakaja proposed reforms to the county’s legal affairs, including hiring 50 lawyers to serve in various departments, arguing that the move would help bring order in his administration.
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