Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has declined to renew the contracts of a section of chief officers in the county.This comes after the contracts of the officers, who are an equivalent to principal secretaries in the national government, expired last week.
The future of 23 of the chief officers is in limbo after the county boss ordered them to hand over to their respective departments and wait for further action from his office, the Standard reports.
Governor Sonko, through his communications director Elkana Jacob, said the delay in renewing the annual contracts is as a result of the performance assessment exercise being carried out at City Hall.
The outspoken governor noted that the dismissal or retainment of the officers will depend on their performance.
“We are waiting for a comprehensive statement from the appointing authority. Thereafter, we will know who we will retain and which posts to remain,” said Jacob.
"Those found to be hard-working will have their contracts renewed," he added.
This comes a few days after the governor accused some of the officers of being lazy, corrupt and championing their own agenda at the expense of county residents.
A chief officer is responsible for the daily operations of a particular department and reports directly to the CeC.
If the chief officers happen to be dismissed, the Nairobi County Public Service Board will be tasked with sourcing and recommending new officers
However, the board is currently not properly constituted as it has four members instead of seven, after three board members left before their term expired, reports the Daily Nation.