Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has set things rolling in his county, and is taking no prisoners.
Natembeya on Monday, September 5, turned away sixteen top officials among them County Executive Committee members (CECs) from a meeting, for arriving minutes later than him.
The no-nonsense administrator asked security officers at Aturkan Hotel in Kitale town to block the officials who arrived past 9.00 am, the time set for the meeting, whose agenda was to discuss the County Development Integrated Plan (CIDP) for the next five years.
The Standard has obtained an audio of the newly-elected governor sending warning shots to county staff for lateness.
"When I say we meet at 9am sharp I mean 9.00am sharp and not 9:01am. I personally arrived here five minutes earlier so everyone should learn to keep time. Past the said time, if you are out, remain there," Natembeya said.
The governor who has been in public service for more than 25 years, has repeatedly vowed to streamline the county officials in his quest to better service delivery to the residents of Trans Nzoia County.
He noted that time keeping is the only way for one to show commitment to their work. He led by example on the first day he reported at work after being sworn in as governor.
"Today I have checked in my office at exactly 7.00am. I believe and hope all county workers are going to adhere to the freshness ushered in. It worth noting county work is not compulsory hence when given privilege to serve, we expect utmost dedication," he tweeted on August 29, 2022.
Natembeya's actions have drawn mixed reactions from netizens with some terming it as dictatorial, and others praising his work-ethic.
"Bwana governor, you don't serve people by intimidating staff. Majority of staff are voters in your county. Members of staff are the engine of your government," twitter user Kimotho wrote.
"Good start your excellency Governor Natembeya. The discipline from the police force...Watatii amri," Santus reacted.
Natembeya who resigned from the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner post on January 12 to venture into politics, was declared the winner of the Trans Nzoia governorship race with 158,919 votes, against his competitor Chris Wamalwa of Ford Kenya who had 79,020 votes.
