Water Union Takes Nairobi Water Managing Director Appointment Row to Ombudsman

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Water Services Workers Union (WASWU) has petitioned the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) to investigate the “irregular appointment” of the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) managing director Martin Nangole.

Speaking in Mombasa on April 24, 2026, WASWU general secretary Matilda Jebet Kimetto accused the company of maladministration, abuse of power, and flouting governance procedures during the recruitment of its top executive.

“The Union contends that the appointment process violated established legal and governance frameworks, lacked transparency, and disregarded due process,” she said.

According to WASWU the process reflects a wider breakdown of governance structures and selective application of policies at NCWSC, thus, eroding employee trust and undermining public confidence in the water utility.

“Public offices must be filled through lawful, transparent, and merit-based processes. Any deviation from these standard compromises institutional integrity and cannot be accepted,” the Union stated

WASWU wants the CAJ to intervene urgently and is calling for an independent investigation into the appointment and broader governance concerns.

The union also demands an Immediate nullification of the irregular appointment.

The SG said the union was prepared to cooperate fully with investigators saying they are ready to escalate the matter to court if their demand is not adhered to.

She was speaking during a media briefing in Mombasa flanked by other union officials.

“WASWU remains ready to provide evidence and support investigations, urging swift intervention to uphold administrative justice and protect the integrity of the water sector.”

The petition adds pressure on NCWSC, which serves over 4 million Nairobi residents and has faced repeated scrutiny over management and procurement practices.

NCWSC had not issued a response to WASWU’s allegations by the time of publication on Friday April 24, 2026.