Finance CCO nominee banks on experience to revamp Nairobi revenue system

Asha says she is believer of devolution and she is ready to serve Nairobi

In Summary
  • The docket in the previous administration has been rocked with numerous reshuffles, infights with Governor and MCAs.
  • However, with her 10-year experience in the sector, Asha has vowed to change the narrative.
Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

Nairobi county chief officer for Finance nominee Asha Abdi is banking on her 10 year experience to serve in the department.

While appearing for vetting on Thursday, the nominee told the county assembly Finance and budget committee that she has what it takes to be Governor Johnson Sakaja’s CCO for Finance.

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“I’m a believer of devolution and since I started serving in county governments, I believe that my experience has prepared me to handle the office in Nairobi,” Asha said.

Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

In the previous administration, the docket has been rocked with numerous reshuffles and infights between governors and MCAs.

However, with her 10-year experience in the sector, Asha has vowed to change the narrative.

Prior to her nomination, Asha served as Chief Executive Committee member (CEC) Finance in Isiolo county (2013-17) and also held the Health docket in an acting capacity.

In Mombasa, she served as CEC (2017 -22) and also as the CEC for Tourism in an acting position.

“I am not here by chance but have served in Mombasa and Isiolo which is a rural county and I believe the challenges I faced in the two counties have prepared me to manage and solve the issues in Nairobi,” Asha said.

Sources disclosed to the Star that it was Governor Sakaja himself who wanted Asha to be part of his administration.

“Sakaja has intentions of changing the county revenue system and wanted Asha’s skills and experience,” a source who sought anonymity said.

Budget Committee chairman Wilfred Odalo dismissed three petitions which had been brought before the committee against Asha.

According to him, one petition lacked a signature while the other one did not have an affidavit.

Asha told the committee she was worth Sh39 million, a blend of both cash and assets.

Tasked to explain the achievements in her previous positions, the nominee revealed that she initiated the automation of the revenue collection system in Mombasa.

“Automation of the system has eased ways of doing business in Mombasa and data has also become efficient in the county,” Asha said.

During her tenure as the chief officer of Mombasa, not only did she lead in establishing the special economic zone which in turn placed the county on the global map but also revenue collection increased from Sh2.9 billion to Sh3.6 billion.

Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Finance Chief Officer nominee Asha Abdi before the vetting panel at Nairobi City Hall on December 22, 2022.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

The 35- year old nominee has a Degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi, Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the same university of Nairobi and a leadership programme from the Harvard Business school in USA.

She is currently pursuing a PHD in Project Financing at the Nairobi University.

Asha was the top student in KCSE in Isiolo where attained grade A-,which enabled her to secure a scholarship from the Equity Bank.


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