All Kenyan governments should embrace what Governor Awiti has done. Especially considering the many battles, he has fought, that put him out of office. It is very okay to have a new team on board, especially one that will ensure good service delivery. Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti has reshuffled his Cabinet, about two weeks after winning a court battle over his election, for the sake of better service delivery for the people.
According to Governor Awiti, there were complaints by some of residents that some officials were not delivering services effectively. It was then that he decided to make changes to improve efficiency. The governor said on Thursday that he made the changes following complaints about lazy county officials. Five executives retained their posts – Nicholas Koriko (finance and economic planning), Aguko Juma (agriculture and food security), Prof Richard Muga (health services), Beatrice Asyago (education and ICT) and Dickson Nyawinda (water and environment). He warned the officials against slacking, saying action will be taken if any reports are filed.
Regarding the “numerous” court battles, he said they had been a hindrance to development and that it is now time to serve Homa Bay residents. The governor added on Thursday that he made the move following complaints about lazy county officials.
The county boss transferred Mr David Okeyo from the roads and infrastructure department to trade and industrialization, an office that had been vacant following Carilus Ademba resignation on Monday.
Mr Fred Odero was moved from energy and mining to tourism, sports and youth affairs, previously headed by Ms Roselyne Odhiambo.
Ms Odhiambo was transferred to the lands and housing department, whose previous minister was Ms Beatrice Ogolla.
Ms Ogolla was placed in charge of the energy and mining department.
Five executives retained their posts – Nicholas Koriko (finance and economic planning), Aguko Juma (agriculture and food security), Prof Richard Muga (health services), Beatrice Asyago (education and ICT) and Dickson Nyawinda (water and environment).
Prof Muga had been appointed to act as the minister for roads before the governor nominated Mr Philemon Dony Opar to head the department.Mr Opar will be vetted by the assembly before he is sworn-in.Mr Awiti warned the county officials against slacking, saying action will be taken if any reports are filed.
“All officials employed by the county government must pull up their socks. Residents are free to report anyone not working. Action will be taken against such officials,” he said.Regarding the “numerous” court battles, Mr Awiti said they had been a hindrance to development.
“Politics is now over [sic]. All officers need to focus on delivery,” he said.