Nang’ole takes over from Nahashon Muguna, who resigned amid
controversy. The board, however, held that Muguna has attained the mandatory retirement age
of 60 for public servants.
“The interim appointment arises due to the position being
declared vacant and shall remain in effect subject to the substantive
recruitment of the opposition,” NCWSC board chairman Arnold Karanja said on Friday.
Muguna has served in the position since August 2017, when he
was appointed as acting MD before being confirmed in the role in May 2020.
Led by Makadara MP and ODM Nairobi branch chairman George
Aladwa, the leaders praised Nang’ole as a technocrat capable of turning around
the fortunes of the utility.
“This is a welcomed step that signals competence, continuity and recognition of professional merit at a time when Nairobi needs steady hands
to guarantee uninterrupted water and sewerage services,” Aladwa said.
Until his appointment, Nang’ole served as NCWSC’s director
of ICT. The board said his elevation was a transitional measure to safeguard
service delivery.
“We are proud to support Martin Nang’ole. He is a young,
vibrant and highly qualified technocrat,” Aladwa said, adding that the
appointment was also an honour to the Luhya community where Nang’ole comes from.
“For many in our community, this appointment is more than a
personnel change — it is symbolic,” the Makadara MP said.
“Over recent months, concerns have been raised
about how the Luhya and other communities sometimes feel marginalised in
appointments and leadership opportunities. Merit-based recognitions like this
one are particularly meaningful.”
Aladwa said while the appointment was not political,
it showed competent professionals from the community were being
acknowledged and entrusted with responsibility.
During his tenure as ICT director, Nang’ole spearheaded
digitisation and efficiency reforms that, Aladwa said, benefited businesses,
households and small enterprises that rely on reliable service provision.
“With his technical know-how and commitment to public
service, Nang’ole is well placed to deliver practical improvements — from
shorter fault response times, clearer billing and connection processes, to
stronger systems that reduce mismanagement. These are the tangible changes
Nairobi needs,” he said.
The MP urged Governor Johnson Sakaja and the NCWSC board to
continue backing technocratic and transparent leadership and provide
Nang’ole with the resources needed to implement reforms.
“To Mr. Nang’ole: we offer our support and will watch your
early actions with keen interest — particularly on quick wins that improve
supply reliability and customer service in our wards,” Aladwa added.
He said the appointment restores faith that career public
servants can rise on merit and that technocratic competence is being rewarded.
“We are optimistic that Mr. Nang’ole’s youth, energy, and technical leadership will translate into better service, greater transparency, and renewed trust in NCWSC,” Aladwa said.
