After swearing-in ceremonies, governors get down to work

After holding colourful swearing-in ceremonies last Thursday, most governors have hit the road running to fulfil pledges made during campaigns.

While new governors took some time to acquaint themselves with their staff, county bosses who were re-elected got down to business without much ado.

In Laikipia, sacked doctors resumed work on Thursday after governor Joshua Irungu signed a return to work formula with Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU).

The 33 doctors were sacked three years ago by the administration of former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, who unsuccessfully sought re-election in the August 9 polls.

“We have agreed that 10 out of the 33 medical specialists sacked in 2019 will report to their respective stations from September 1, 2022,” Irungu said when he signed the deal on Wednesday.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has made changes in the executive.

The changes mostly affected the finance department.

Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya noted that cash delays by the Treasury could hinder the implementation of projects but said that will not be an excuse for non-performance.

“It’s barely three days since I took office, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” he stated.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati made a public report about missing vehicles both for the executive and the assembly.

A number of vehicles have gone missing.

Some of the cars bought by the outgoing administration could not be traced.

“Whoever is in charge of transport, tomorrow I want all county government vehicles accounted for,” he directed.

He personally conducted a headcount of drivers and vehicles at Gusii Stadium.

It emerged the county had 256 drivers with 82 vehicles.

In Kakamega, governor-elect Fernandes Barasa promised to revive Mumias Sugar Company.

He will also lock out political cartels he blamed for the troubles facing the miller.

Barasa is also planning to embark on a sensitisation programme to urge farmers who abandoned cane farming to revert to sugarcane growing.

Before getting down to work, Kitui Governor Julius Malombe on Thursday led county staff, county executives, representatives from the business community, youth, and Persons Living with Disabilities in an interdenominational prayer session at his office in Kitui town

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro toured the Kilifi County Referral Hospital and promised to streamline services at the facility.

 “I’m waiting for MCAs to be sworn in so that we can prepare a supplementary budget to meet the costs of addressing shortcomings for this hospital and the others,” he said.

It was all smiles for some 64 patients at Nakuru level 5 hospital after Governor Susan Kihika waived Sh5 million the facility was demanding from them.

Kihika said she had met the hospital’s board of management and after consultations recommended the waiver of the accrued bills.

She said her administration would allocate the hospital more funds to cover for the waiver.