Former Kisumu Mayor Sam Okello has been kicked out of the Kisumu City Board for lacking a university degree.
Okello was on Wednesday last week notified of his ouster, in compliance with the revised Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act of 2019, minimum education level dictates.
In the letter signed by acting County Secretary George Okongo, Okello who represented the Association of Urban Areas and Cities was found to be disqualified for the post.
“As you may be aware, the Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides for qualifications of the members of city board (new sub-section 6) thus; a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognised in Kenya, a distinguished career in a medium-level management position in either the private or the public sector, at least seven years post-qualification professional experience, and satisfies the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution,” the letter read in part.
The new law further scrapped the seat he has been holding, replacing it with the Urban Planning Executive, dealing a blow to Okello who was mayor between 2008 and 2013.
A similar letter was sent to Ken Akoko, an individual member, who was also sacked over education credentials.
Okello has since confirmed receiving his sacking letter.