Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has extended the contract of Eng. Ali Ibrahim Hassan, Managing Director of the Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority (ENNDA), citing his outstanding performance. The decision comes despite Koskei’s own May 16, 2025, circular that froze recruitment, contract renewals, and extensions in 16 state corporations, including ENNDA.
Eng. Ali’s two-term contract was set to expire on October 1, 2025. Initially, Principal Secretary Kello Harsama had declined a request for extension. Koskei, however, overruled this directive and instructed the ENNDA board to retain Eng. Ali for one more year, allowing him to oversee the authority during its transition period.
In a letter dated August 26, 2025, Koskei acknowledged Eng. Ali’s “exemplary performance” under the supervision of the State Corporations Advisory Committee, noting achievements of 96.93% for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years. The extension is intended to guide ENNDA through planned reforms while maintaining organizational stability until September 30, 2026.
The letter was also copied to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and East Africa Community Affairs and ASALs & Regional Development CS Beatrice Askul.
Koskei’s May circular had imposed a strict moratorium on recruitment and contract renewals for CEOs and other contract-based officers in state corporations earmarked for merger. It also suspended approvals related to human resource policies, salaries, benefits, staff organization, and new capital projects. ENNDA was among the affected agencies.
By extending Eng. Ali’s tenure, Koskei ensures leadership continuity in ENNDA as the government pursues reforms in the parastatal sector. The move highlights the need to balance adherence to government-wide directives with recognition of individual performance and results.
This decision gives ENNDA the stability required to navigate the ongoing reforms while acknowledging the MD’s proven track record in managing the authority effectively.
