Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has lifted the suspension orders that had locked former Finance and Economic Affairs Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) Charles Kerich out of City Hall.
Mr Kerich returned to City Hall on Tuesday and attended the County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting chaired by Governor Sakaja, marking his first appearance at the meetings after nearly two months of legal battles.
Although the governor did not publicly announce Mr Kerich’s new role, sources who attended the meeting told the Nation that he will take over as Mobility and Works Executive, a docket previously held by Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya, who was recently confirmed as the substantive Finance boss.
Nairobi County CEC for Mobility and Works Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya during an interview at City Hall, Nairobi, on December 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
The meeting, which was Governor Sakaja’s 90th CEC sitting, focused on the implementation of Phase One of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), which the governor described as a major milestone in transforming the city’s infrastructure and economy.
“The NMRTS seeks to modernise public transport, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment. The project positions the capital as a smart, green and globally competitive city, one that is better connected, more efficient and prepared to meet the needs of a growing population and a dynamic economy,” Governor Sakaja said.
Mr Kerich will oversee the implementation of the project, which falls under his new docket. Transport is also among the areas of collaboration between the national government and the county under the Sh80 billion partnership agreement.
Nairobi County Finance Executive Charles Kerich.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Mr Kerich’s return comes after months of legal battles over a Sh106 million debt owed to a law firm by the county. The dispute led the High Court in June to issue orders committing him to three months in civil jail at Industrial Area.
However, Mr Kerich did not surrender himself after the orders were issued, triggering questions over his whereabouts.
Governor Sakaja said the he was out of the country on official duty in the United States. Through his lawyer, Mr Kerich told the court that he was receiving medical treatment in the US and that the arrest orders would interfere with scheduled medical appointments.
After returning to Kenya last week, Mr Kerich appeared before court and reached an agreement that saw the arrest and committal orders lifted.
He deposited Sh30 million of his personal funds as a commitment to comply with the court orders, saying he would later seek reimbursement from the county once the case is resolved.
The legal dispute has also been cited as one of the factors that delayed the preparation of Nairobi County’s 2026/27 budget estimates, affecting operations within the devolved unit.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The delayed budget is expected to affect service delivery, with county employees potentially facing salary delays while development projects could also suffer setbacks during the first quarter of the financial year.
Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has accused the county executive of failing to cooperate with MCAs by ignoring summons requiring officers to answer questions on matters affecting their departments.
Mr Kerich is among the longest-serving CEC members at City Hall, having first been appointed by former Governor Mike Sonko before retaining his position under Governor Sakaja.
He is part of a group of officials considered influential in running the capital, which serves nearly three million residents.
Others include Governor Sakaja’s Chief of Staff David Njoroge, whom the governor has defended against calls for his removal, citing their long working relationship dating back to his time as Nairobi senator.
Mr Njoroge has been described by colleagues as a low-profile but effective administrator who has played a key role in coordinating the governor’s office since his appointment in 2022.
Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya, a former personal assistant to retired Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is also considered a key figure in the administration following his appointment as CECM for Finance.
Other influential officials include Chief Officer for Finance Asha Abdi, Chief Officer for Disaster Management Bramwel Simiyu, and Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Godfrey Akumali.
Patrick Analo, the suspended Chief Officer for Urban Planning, remains another significant figure given his role in overseeing development approvals in the city, including decisions affecting construction projects.
