Governor finally releases names of PSB nominees

By EVELYN KWAMBOKA and LAWRENCE ALURU

Kisumu County: Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has released the much-awaited list of seven nominees to the Public Service Board.

The county has been operating without the board in its appointments. Ward representatives will now vet the candidates, whom if endorsed will serve in Raguma’s government.

This comes barely 48-hours after the Kisumu County Residence Association threatened to move to court over failure by the governor to constitute the board and interfering with the operations of the Assembly. Ranguma’s (pictured) list to be vetted next week comprised those who have served in the civil society and public service for more than ten years.

dispute resolution

The governor has nominated former Telkom Kenya Managing Director Eng Wilson Ogwang’ Oguya as the chairman and Hesbon Owuor Hongo as secretary to the board that has the mandate to establish or abolish any county public service.

Oguya who has over 30-years experience in Information and Communication Technology also served as an assistant engineer with the Kenya Railways Corporation.

OGRA Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr Gabriel Amolo and Ministry of Education Deputy Director Jacinta Kapiyo are also on the list as members. If they go through the vetting process, they will hold office for a non-renewable term of six years.

Others are Violet Sally Onyango who has served as World Vision International’s finance manager and was a cashier at the Kenya Commercial Bank.

Ranguma indicated that Mr Jackson Odeny Oyoo who worked at the defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation is to bring on board skills in conflict management and dispute resolution as well as designing Bilateral and Collective Bargain Agreements.

Meanwhile, Siaya Acting Governor George Okode has called on the police to hasten investigations and bring to book suspects who stabbed County Assembly Speaker Stephen Kadera.

Okode said it was unfortunate that an elected leader was attacked by unknown thugs while in his backyard.

He said his office would work closely with the police to ensure that those involved in the incident are brought to book. “My office and the police will strive to ensure that the mystery surrounding the incident is unraveled in due course,” he said.

He was addressing the press on Monday at his office after holding a meeting with top security officers.