Lusaka reshuffles executive members and chief officers

Bungoma, Kenya: Governor Kenneth Lusaka yesterday reshuffled some executive members in a move he said is aimed at enhanced service delivery leading to economic growth.

“It is necessary and prudent to make a few changes in the composition of the executive branch. The intention is to re-align programme implementation that leads to accelerated outcomes across various sectors,” he said while making the announcement from his office.

Teresa Nakhungu, Tourism, Forestry, Water, Natural Resources and Environment executive, was moved to work at the governor’s office in-charge of investment and regulatory services while her position was taken over by former health executive Stephen Kokonya.

The move is a demotion for Ms Nakhungu who has been facing allegations that she lacks academic qualifications required by all Executives.

Residents Namuleyi Wasike and Kellan Wavomba had filed two different petitions at the assembly requiring that Nakhungu produce her academic credentials. But the governor has made the changes before the petitions are tabled in the assembly by the house business committee to ease pressure on his administration.

THE CHANGES

With Mr Kokonya’s move, the health ministry has been left without a leader. Education Executive Beryl Mutekhele has been appointed to oversee it in an acting capacity while the governor plans to appoint a nominee who is to be vetted by the county assembly.

Kokonya is also holding, on an acting capacity, the Roads and Public Works docket after its executive Stephen Nendela and Chief Officer Herbert Kibunguchy stepped aside over corruption allegations.

Chief officers affected by the changes include Peter Mukenya who has been moved from Trade to Agriculture, Monicah Fedha who has been moved to Education, Youth and Sports while Christine Murenga will be in-charge of Trade, Energy and Industrialisation.

Lusaka told executives to stop perpetuating corruption which has dented his administration’s image and said he will sack and surcharge those found. He directed that no chief officer shall be a member of any tendering committee.