The assumption of office committee in Taita Taveta is in the final stages of preparing for the inauguration of Governor-elect Andrew Mwadime.
County secretary Liverson Mghendi on Thursday said plans are in top gear for the event scheduled for August 25.
Mghendi who chairs the committee revealed that the team is burning the midnight oil to put in place everything ahead of the ceremony.
“As stipulated in the law, we started our meetings in July but there are a few things still pending. The team is yet to settle on the venue," Mghendi said.
"Tentatively, we are planning for the swearing in ceremony to be held on August 25.”
Mghendi also revealed that their Thursday meeting will deliberate on the venue and exact date.
He said they are considering a central place to hold the inauguration. Mwatunge grounds in Mwatate played host to the swearing-in of the outgoing governor Granton Samboja in 2017.
Mghendi said the team is still considering the same venue owing to its centrality.
Mwadime, an independent candidate, won the seat after trouncing Samboja, who has only served one term in office.
Mwadime garnered 49,901 votes against Samboja’s 23,703.
Former governor John Mruttu of UDA emerged third with 13,865 votes while former senator Dan Mwazo (Wiper) got 11,543 votes in the fourth position.
The assumption of office committee, Mghendi said, is also working on a comprehensive report consisting of the pending bills, county assets and workforce.
He said the report will be handed over to the new governor after swearing-in.
“The handover will include a report on all pending bills, a list of staffers and county assets. These are part of the thing that the new administration must be made aware of,” he said.
He further refuted claims that there were hurdles in preparation for the inauguration, noting that everything is working smoothly.
Samboja has since remained silent after, after the declaration of Mwadime's victory, raising jitters over the transition process.
Mghendi, however, assured residents that there will be a smooth transition of power.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
