Sakaja Announces Nairobi Water Board Vacancies Amid Backlash Over Gaucho Appointment

The administration of Johnson Sakaja has invited members of the public to apply for positions on the board of the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited, even as criticism continues over recent appointments, including Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho or Ghetto President, to the Mama Lucy Hospital board.

In a notice dated Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Nairobi City County Government, the sole shareholder of the water utility, announced two vacancies in the company’s Board of Directors.

“The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG), the sole Shareholder of the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited (NCWSC) wishes to fill two (2) positions of its Board of Directors and is therefore inviting expression of interest from suitably experienced and qualified individuals, nominated by the applicable Stakeholder Group, to be considered for appointment to join the Board of Directors of NCWSC,” read part of the notice.

The county is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals nominated by relevant stakeholder groups.

According to the notice, successful candidates will be tasked with providing strategic leadership and oversight, while upholding principles of good corporate governance, including inclusivity, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens with at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and a minimum of seven years’ professional experience in fields such as finance, engineering, law, ICT, business management, or human resource management.

They are also required to meet the leadership and integrity standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution and satisfy the “fit and proper” criteria set by the Water Services Regulatory Board.

Additional requirements include prior corporate governance training and clearance certificates from key state agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, Credit Reference Bureau, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Also Read: Uproar as Sakaja Appoints Gaucho to Mama Lucy Hospital Board

How to Apply

The positions are reserved for representatives from two stakeholder categories: resident organizations and key water catchment areas supplying the city.

Interested applicants are required to submit a nomination letter from their stakeholder group, a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, identification documents, and relevant clearance certificates.

Applications must be sent via email to the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited by May 15, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Also Read: KMPDU Defends Sakaja Over Gaucho Appointment to Mama Lucy Hospital Board

Sakaja Criticized for Appointing Gaucho

The recruitment drive comes amid mounting public backlash over the appointment of Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho or “Ghetto President,” to the board of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

The appointment, made through a gazette notice dated April 17, 2026, has sparked debate, with critics questioning his suitability for the role.

Gaucho, a vocal supporter of the Orange Democratic Movement, rose to prominence through Bunge la Wananchi forums and is known for his close association with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

His appointment has continued to draw mixed reactions, with some Kenyans raising concerns over the criteria used in selecting board members for public institutions.

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