By Antynet Ford
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has cited a balanced workspace that accommodates both administrative tasks and public engagements as his main reason for looking for a second office at the Central Bank of Kenya Pension Towers.
Appearing before the County Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee last week Chief Officer in the Office of the governor Priscilla Mahinda, said it is important for Sakaja to have an extra office where he can balance his work as the county administrator.
“We have realized the need for the governor to have space where he can balance between meeting the people and doing the paperwork as the CEO of the county.” Priscilla stated.
According to Nairobi County Attorney Christine Ireri, lack of concentration and inadequate safety measures at the City Hall office are the key reasons for the move.
“Sometimes it’s very difficult to concentrate on work and meet deadlines when there are constant interruptions.” she said.
Ireri told the committee that she is unaware of any gazettement for this proposed office adding that they will not be moving out of the official office.
“We are not moving the official office. The Governor will still retain his City Hall office” she said
She mentioned the challenges of balancing public service with the need for focused work.
“We cannot turn away people from the office, but it’s essential to have time to concentrate on our responsibilities.” Ireri added.
In addition to the residence, the committee discussed plans for Governor Sakaja to secure an additional official office at the CBK Pension Towers, where the county has acquired two floors for staff due to space limitations at City Hall. Mahinda
Chief Officer Mahinda added that the recent Gen Z protests which were witnessed in June and July had a mental impact on their operations.
“We were also very mentally affected during that period when one of the offices next to the Governor’s office was set on fire,” she stated.
Just moments after a section of Parliament was set ablaze on June 25, 2024, Governor Sakaja’s office at City Hall was engulfed in flames.
However, concerns were raised by the MCAs regarding the implications of this proposed move.
“If the Governor moves out of his official working office, it raises questions about the need for another gazetted location,” said Jared Akama, Chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
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He pointed out that the confusion could arise for residents, as the official office is known to be at City Hall.
Akama however, acknowledged City Hall had acquired two floors at CBK Pension Towers for its staff due to space limitations at Anexxe.
He noted that this arrangement has been in place since the tenure of former Governor Mike Sonko.
“While there is a need for more office space, the purpose of the Governor’s proposed second office needs to be clearly defined,” Akama concluded.