Should Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko change his Management Style for the betterment of Nairobi County? The Governor has been criticized by many quarters for his leadership style that has been blamed for the unending wrangles at the County.
This week has seen Sonko’s Cabinet Executives resign with many of them blaming the Governor for Pushing them into throwing in the towel.
Legislators from the Capital City have joined the ongoing debate regarding Sonko’s management style with many of them expressing their disappointment in Sonko.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino yesterday said the Nairobi government has hardworking staff, but they work in fear. “There cannot be proper delivery if the county officials are always in a panic mode and are worried of being randomly sacked or suspended,” he said.
Owino said the governor lacks a proper advisory team and that is why he makes mistakes that have a huge negative impact to Nairobi. “Sonko is a good person, but surrounded by fools. When a good leader is surrounded by fools, his style of leadership will be a sham,” he said.
This week, Sonko’s cabinet has been on the spot after one of the best performing executives, Janet Ouko, resigned. She said she could not continue working under intimidation and threats.
His cabinet is operating with only five executives in office only two have a four-year contract.
Suspensions have been going on. The recent one was last year when he suspended former Devolution executive Vesca Kangogo and county secretary Peter Kariuki for “insubordination.”
Lang’ata’s Nixon Korir said Sonko was giving priority to projects, which do not directly benefit residents. “When it comes to roads, street lighting, garbage and water, there always seems to be a strain in delivery,” said Korir.
The legislator described Nairobi county as being in a “state of autopilot”. “You cannot suspend people just because they do not agree with your statements or actions. Just like Ouko said, is Sonko the only one who is ever right and the rest are wrong and suspects of bad deeds?” Korir asked.