Garissa Governor Nathif Jama reshuffles Cabinet to bolster efficiency

Nathif Jama

Governor Nathif Jama finally effected a mini-reshuffle of his cabinet over the weekend following an outcry by members of the public who complained of poor service delivery by his administration.

In the reshuffle, Hubi Hussein was moved from the docket of Agriculture, Irrigation Services and Fisheries to Health and Sanitation Services. Saphia Sheikh Omar took over the Agriculture, Irrigation Services and Fisheries docket.

Hajir Mohamed Dahiye is the new Livestock and Pastoral Economy Executive, while Abdihakim Sheikh Dayib was handed the powerful docket of County Affairs under the department of Finance, Revenue and Economic Planning.

The youthful Idriss Mukhtar, will be in charge of Youth, Sport, Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Co-operatives. Ahmed Aden Hire remains the Executive member for Roads, Public Works, Lands, Housing and Physical Planning.

The move is seen by many as a way of rejuvenating confidence in his administration.

Mr Jama came out strongly to defend his government over claims of truancy by his senior officials, whenever he goes out of the town.

'Briefcase' government

The governor said he will not take lightly the branding of his administration as a 'briefcase' government, noting that claims by some residents that senior county officials are only seen in their offices when he is around, only to disappear whenever he goes out of the county were baseless.

"People are calling us a 'briefcase' government without justifiable evidence. If there is any official abandoning duty without genuine reasons let me know," said the governor while distributing wheelchairs, sanitary towels and sewing machines to deserving residents on Saturday.

He asked the public to report to him if they fail to get services in any office in the county. Bernard Wambua Nzau, a former employee of the Garissa district treasury was appointed as the head of Procurement.