In a move that has sparked both curiosity and debate, Nairobi County’s outspoken Environment Chief, Geoffrey Mosiria, has been abruptly shifted to a new role, leaving many wondering about the implications for the city’s environmental agenda. But here’s where it gets controversial: Mosiria, known for his bold raids and social media exposés on environmental violators, has been reassigned to head Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, effective immediately. Is this a strategic shift or a silencing tactic?
Governor Johnson Sakaja, who signed the reshuffle memo dated November 18, 2025, has described the changes as routine and within his authority. However, insiders suggest that Mosiria’s high-profile approach may have rubbed some colleagues the wrong way, with accusations of overshadowing the governor himself. Does this reshuffle signal a shift in priorities for Nairobi’s leadership?
Mosiria’s former role has been taken over by Hibram Otieno, previously in charge of Medical Facilities, while Lydia Mathia swaps Housing and Urban Renewal for the Business and Hustler Opportunities docket. Acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali also moves to Housing and Urban Renewal from his previous role. But this is the part most people miss: the reshuffle isn’t just about individual roles—it’s part of a larger restructuring that includes the creation of six new administrative units called Boroughs, each headed by a manager. These Boroughs—Western, Northern, Southern, Eastern, South Eastern, and Central—aim to streamline service delivery for Nairobi residents. Is this a step toward more efficient governance, or a bureaucratic maze?
Other notable changes include Tony Michael Kimani’s Social Services docket being expanded to include Estate Management, Sande Oyolo moving to Medical Facilities, and Wilson Gakuya taking over Digital Economy and Start-ups. Dr. Machel Waikenda now juggles ICT Infrastructure alongside his Mobility role, while Clement Rapudo (Clemo) shifts from City Culture, Arts, and Tourism to Smart Nairobi, with Zipporah Mwangi stepping into Rapudo’s former position. With so many changes, will Nairobi’s governance become more cohesive or more fragmented?
As the dust settles on these reshuffles, one question lingers: What does this mean for Nairobi’s future? Are these changes a necessary realignment of priorities, or a distraction from more pressing issues? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think this reshuffle will benefit the city, or is it a missed opportunity? Share your opinions in the comments below!