Kisii Governor unveils his ten-member Cabinet

By Robert Nyasato

Kisii, Kenya: As county government takes shape, Kisii Governor James Ongwae will be the first in Nyanza to swear in his Cabinet.

Mr Ongwae unveiled his Cabinet that comprised six men and four women during a ceremony where each tabled their academic qualifications and work experience.

All the 45 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) took a break from the pay protest to grace the occasion that was attended by Kisii Sub County Commissioner Philip Soi, deputy Governor Joash Maangi among others. The governor also promised to respect the rule of separation of powers and urged MCAs to exercise oversight over the county Executive.

At the same time, he asked the County Executive Committee members to acquaint themselves with constitutional requirements regarding their dockets.

“Ensure that your decisions are not informed by nepotism…remain responsible and accountable in your respective dockets,” he said.

Kisii County was the first to conduct performance management training where a Rapid Results Initiative was launched.

Wrong move

Ongwae accused the national Government of attempting to scuttle devolution by withholding resources due to county governments.

The county governments are particularly unhappy with a move by the Treasury to reduce budgetary allocations that had been proposed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

Mr Ongwae said it was wrong for the Treasury to slash funds allocated to counties yet the devolved governments used the figures in planning their budgets.

Ongwae who is a member of the eleven-member governors committee tasked with championing interests of the 47 counties said the resources allocated to devolved governments were a constitutional provision and should be respected.

Citing Kisii County, the governor said they received a circular from the Treasury indicating they would get Sh5.1 billion, a reduction of Sh1.1 billion from the Sh6.2 billion allocated by CRA.

The funds are expected by July 1.