- The two received the official handover documents from immediate former chief officers Dr Wario S. Sake and Dr Rikoi Hitler.
- They pledged to work hand in hand with CECM Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hussein Ali Hussein to ensure proper service delivery which is part of the department's core mandate.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Newly sworn chief officers Arero Halkano and Kula Phabi have officially taken office as the chief officers for the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services and the Department of Fisheries Development respectively.
The two received the official handover documents from immediate former chief officers Dr Wario S. Sake and Dr Rikoi Hitler.
They pledged to work hand in hand with CECM Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hussein Ali Hussein to ensure proper service delivery which is part of the department's core mandate.
County Chief of Staff Galm Golicha and Deputy county secretary Tari Doti presided over the handover ceremony and wished new chief officers well in their roles.
Dr Arero Halkano was a pioneer chief officer in the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services have an easy time adapting.
Galm highlighted the importance of the department in the implementation of Governor Mohamud's transformation agenda.
He stated that the performance of the new chief officers would be judged on their success in implementing the governor's agenda.
He expressed confidence in the two chief officers and challenged them to execute their mandate effectively and realign with the governor's manifesto.
Deputy county secretary Tari Doti asked the two officers to redirect their energies towards achieving excellent services in their sector for the benefit of Marsabit people.
"Let us serve the people diligently to our satisfaction and that of our boss," he said
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the executive committee member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hussein Ali welcomed the new officers.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork towards achieving feasibility and quality service delivery which is a key priority in Governor Mohamud-led administration.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
He promised that he will be at the forefront in supporting policies that respond to the specific needs and improve the livestock and fisheries sector.
Dr Arero pledged to maintain high standards set by the department which has been an admiration of other departments.
He pledged to create a conducive working environment to attract more development partners to work with the county.
Dr Arero who is a seasoned veterinary doctor with vast knowledge of veterinary services and livestock matters thanked the governor for believing in his leadership capability.
He congratulated the outgoing chief officer Dr Wario for his exemplary work and promised to make the department shine by delivering on the mandate.
He further promised to ensure that Marsabit gets to the top in matters of livestock by supporting pastoralists in improving their livelihoods.
The new chief officer for livestock and veterinary services said he would support the extension officers across the county to help in efficient and effective service delivery to the people.
He noted that he is ready to bring his input into the department and tackle some of the challenges being faced.
He also emphasized teamwork within the department for seamless service delivery in line with Governor Mohamud's agenda and transformative vision for the people of Marsabit.
The former chief officer for livestock Dr Wario said the county government in partnership with local investors supported livestock production in the county.
This was done through market development, feed improvement, value addition, livestock insurance and promotion of emerging livestock as an alternative source of livelihood.
He stated that the county had eight partially modernized live animal market infrastructures across the four sub-counties.
He said the market has tremendously contributed to household income through improved access to traders.
Dr Wario said in order to address inadequate animal feeds during the dry period, the county government in partnership with investors distributed 4000 KGS of grass seeds for pasture production to individual farmers and pasture groups.
He explained that despite livestock being the principal asset and key source of income, drought-related livestock mortality remains the greatest threat to livestock and pastoral livelihood.
In order to address the challenges, the county benefitted from Kenya's livestock insurance program where 2500 vulnerable livestock producers are cushioned with a fully subsidized insurance product.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Ali stated that lazy officers will be dismissed from service regardless of their tribe or clan.
He stressed that all officers should strive to offer quality services to spur growth in the county.
Marsabit County Governor has committed to ensuring that the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries become a major driver towards achieving nutrition and food security.