A storm is brewing at the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency after a Kitui court dramatically suspended the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following explosive allegations of corruption, favoritism, and violation of constitutional standards.
In a ruling issued on August 1, 2025, Kitui Chief Magistrate David Mburu ordered an immediate halt to the recruitment process after a petition filed by whistleblower Timothy Isuza reportedly laid bare claims of a rigged exercise tailored to install a preselected candidate—Francis Kyalo Siva—despite serious doubts about his professional qualifications.
Siva, who currently serves as the agency’s General Manager for Infrastructure Development, was among nine shortlisted candidates. His inclusion has sparked public outrage, especially after the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) in June exposed both Siva and outgoing acting CEO Fidelis Kimanthi Kyengo for falsely posing as professional engineers without the required licenses.
“The recruitment process was a sham, engineered to push through a candidate whose credentials have been publicly questioned and who faces unresolved integrity concerns,” the petition states. Isuza argues that Siva’s shortlisting flies in the face of the Engineers Act, which prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing or using the title “Engineer.” The offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine not exceeding Ksh 2 million.
According to a letter from EBK CEO Eng. Margaret Ogai, Siva and Kyengo are in breach of Sections 47 and 49 of the Act and should not be occupying senior management roles in a state agency responsible for multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects.
Magistrate Mburu certified the matter as urgent and suspended the process until August 7, when the case will be mentioned for further directions. The court order cautions against any attempt to proceed with the recruitment, warning that disobedience will attract legal consequences.
Out of 22 applicants, nine candidates had been shortlisted—including Siva—despite his controversial standing. The petition further raises concerns about the recruitment’s lack of gender balance, regional inclusivity, and adherence to Tanathi’s own Human Resource policies.
“The Board has ignored constitutional principles, and unless the court intervenes, Tanathi risks being captured by unqualified individuals who may erode public trust and compromise service delivery,” the suit warns.
The case has triggered fresh scrutiny of Kenya’s public service recruitment culture, with growing calls for a full investigation into Tanathi’s internal affairs. All eyes are now on the Kitui court as it prepares to weigh in on what could become one of the most explosive integrity sagas in a state agency this year.
