Lodwar, 5th August 2024 (Governor’s Press Service)
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has reiterated his commitment to prudent management of public funds, warning that under his watch, the culture of misappropriating development funds will not be tolerated.
Speaking during the swearing-in of Polyne Aro Tang’arae as the County Chief Officer, Governor Lomorukai emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
“There are people who want us to go back to the era where funds allocated to projects were squandered. This will not happen under my leadership. We will ensure all funds are accounted for and residents receive services and benefit from projects,” he said.
He urged County Executives and Chief Officers to prioritize staff welfare to boost service delivery.
The Governor announced a reshuffle of CECMs, with James Wangiros moving to the Ministry of Health Services and Sanitation, Iris Mariao to Public Service, Administration, and Disaster Management, Faith Aletea to Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Areas Management, and Peter Akono to Roads, Transport, and Public Works.
CCOs were also reshuffled with newly sworn-in Chief Officer Polyne Aro was transferred to Trade, Enterprise Development, and Cooperatives, while Robert Loyelei moved to the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel has been transferred to the Department of Livestock Development while Ezekiel Etelej takes over the Department of Medical Services.
Governor Lomorukai also launched the County Staff Establishment and signed performance contracts with Chief Officers. He emphasized the importance of human capital management for effective service delivery.
County Commissioner Julius Kavita pledged to collaborate with county leaders to enforce the Local Content Act among NGOs and ensure accountability in donor fund management.
Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit expressed concern over rising insecurity in Kanamkemer and increased cases of gender-based violence. She urged for peaceful resolution to conflicts in marriages.
Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar called for action against a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) warden allegedly pushing for the displacement of the Turkana community in Ileret, Sibiloi.
Speaker Christopher Nakuleu urged the County Commissioner to intervene to prevent escalation of tensions following the killing of a fisherman by a KWS warden. County Secretary Peter Eripete asked politicians to let county staff perform their duties warning that heightened political temperatures will impact service delivery.
Several MCAs led by James Ikeny (Kanamkemer) spoke during the event. Senior County Government officials present at the function included CECMs, Chief Officers among others.
