Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appeared before Milimani High Court on July 29, 2026, to confirm adherence to a judicial directive requiring the appointment of a county secretary.
The High Court had ruled on December 5, 2025, that Sakaja must initiate a competitive recruitment process for the county secretary position within 60 days. Sakaja explained to Justice Gregory Mutai that he has followed the prescribed procedures, which involve a three-stage process governed by the County Government Act.
Appointment Process Explained
- Formation of a selection panel as mandated by Section 44 of the County Government Act.
- The panel invites and shortlists applications before submitting them to the governor.
- The governor forwards shortlisted candidates to the County Assembly for vetting and approval.
Sakaja noted that the first nominee, Dr. Jarius Mumba, was rejected by the Nairobi City County Assembly. On the day of the hearing, the governor's office submitted a second nominee, Dr. Machel Waikenda, for vetting.
He emphasized that the vetting and approval process is exclusively within the County Assembly's constitutional mandate and beyond his unilateral control.
Legal Representation and Court Schedule
Lawyer Adrian Kamotho, representing Sakaja, requested the court to refrain from citing the governor for contempt, citing continuous efforts to comply with the court’s orders and ongoing engagement with the County Assembly Speaker.
Justice Mutai has scheduled a ruling for September 30, 2026.
