Govt reappoints Muhoho as KAA boss

Mr George Muhoho has been reappointed as managing director of the Kenya Airports Authority for a period of one year. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Muhoho reappointed for a period of one year.
  • Board had directed that Mr Muhoho’s signature be withdrawn from the parastatal’s bank accounts.

Transport minister Chirau Mwakwere has gone against a decision made by the Kenya Airports Authority’s board and reappointed Mr George Muhoho as the parastatal's boss.

The board had on Thursday endorsed the selection of Mr Mathew Wamalwa, who had been appointed as managing director in an acting capacity on Tuesday following the expiry of Mr Muhoho’s term.

The board went further to direct that Mr Muhoho’s signature be withdrawn from the parastatal’s bank accounts.

However, Mr Mwakwere called a press conference in his office and said he had reappointed Mr Muhoho for a period of one year - a decision that is likely to put him in a collision course with the board.

"He did an outstanding job during his time in office where he transformed the Kenya Airports Authority, which was dormant. His job has satisfied me," said the minister.

Mr Muhoho, 71, had served the state corporation for two terms of three years each.

Immediately his term expired several allegations of impropriety were levelled against him.

But Mr Mwakwere said during the press conference: "I am worried that accusations are being made against him (Mr Muhoho) when he has already left office. Am challenging those making the allegations to bring them forward to me in this period of one year I have appointed him."

"If you don’t bring forwards the complaints, I will know that you are malicious."

When asked if it was fair to reappoint him when the parastatal’s board had already endorsed Mr Wamalwa to replace him, the minister said that this does not matter.

"All Kenyans should be in a position to work with other Kenyans," he said.

Questions had been raised over Kenya Airports Authority’s contracts worth Sh1.7 billion, which was initiated during Mr Muhoho’s tenure.

The projects include work at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi and Moi International Airport, Mombasa.

Mr Muhoho, who is an ally of President Kibaki, is among the Chief Executives and Permanent Secretaries mentioned in Parliament last year as people who are past retirement age.

Mr Mwakwere said age does not matter as long as one is in good health.