Kenya Power sends 5 top managers on compulsory leave

Five senior managers at the troubled Kenya Power have been sent on a 60-day compulsory leave to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption.

A statement dated December 3, and signed by the Kenya Power Company acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rosemary Oduor, said the board decision was meant to continue with the radical surgery on the  monopoly firm that has ironically been making losses.

“The five managers will proceed on sixty-day leave with immediate effect to pave the way for various forensic audits and the review of the supply chain function to be completed,” reads the statement in part.

It further listed the replacement of the affected bosses in an acting capacity, pending approval by the Kenya Power Board.

Among those shown the door are Aggrey Machasio, the general manager in charge of infrastructure development and Peter Njenga, regional manager on regional coordination. The duo was replaced by Kennedy Owino and Geoffrey Mulio respectively.

Others are Charles Mwaura, general manager, network development whose position is taken over by Raphael Ndolo while Robert Mugo, general manager, ICT is being replaced by Titus Kitavi.

For the position of general manager, legal services, regulatory affairs and company secretary, Imelda Bore goes on leave as Jude Ochieng takes over.

A sixth position of the acting regional manager for Nairobi was given to Ariel Mutegi.

Last month, the power firm suspended about 60 senior procurement employees pending investigations into possible procurement malpractices that have threatened the sustainability of the company while exposing Kenyans to high power bills.

This followed recommendations by a task force appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in March this year to probe contracts between the utility firm and electricity generators.

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