Controversy Erupts Over Extension of Nairobi Water Boss Tenure
By Shadrack Nyakoe
A group of Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) is challenging the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company‘s Board of Directors over plans to extend the tenure of Managing Director Nahashon Muguna.
The MCAs, led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, claim that Muguna, who is approaching retirement age, should be preparing to step down instead of seeking an extension.
Muguna, appointed as MD in August 2017 and confirmed in May 2020, is set to retire in nine months. According to the MCAs, his approaching retirement age disqualifies him from an extension and requires him to prepare for terminal leave to facilitate a smooth transition to new leadership.
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Imwatok criticized Muguna’s move to request an extension, raising concerns about what he called a pattern at Nairobi Water of extending senior officials’ contracts without following due process. “If your time to retire has come, please retire and allow others to be nurtured in leadership,” Imwatok said.
The law requires CEOs and MDs of state corporations seeking reappointment to express interest at least six months before their term expires.
The board must then evaluate the MD’s performance and make a recommendation to the appointing authority on whether to renew the contract. If renewal is not recommended, the MD must go on terminal leave to pave the way for a new appointment.
The MCAs urged the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Board to uphold the procedures for retirement, noting that Muguna’s age and nearing retirement should be primary considerations.
