Kisumu, Kenya: Pressure from the public and Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has forced Governor Jack Ranguma to cancel a planned four-day retreat by county staff to Nairobi that would have cost taxpayers more than Sh5 million.
Angry residents vehemently opposed plans to fly over 80 employees to the capital, citing extravagance and lack of priorities.
The trip, meant to be a bonding session between the executive and the county assembly, was likely to cost taxpayers more than Sh5 million in transport and allowances.
However, sources close to the county administration revealed that the trip was meant to appease Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to approve the county's supplementary budget.
A letter written by County Secretary Humphrey Nakitare and dated January 20 seen by The Standard invites the deputy governor, executive committee members, MCAs, chief of staff and the director of budget for the retreat.
The event was set to start today to January 26 at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi.
Ms Odinga confirmed she had received the letter but advised Ranguma against the move, saying there was a lot to be done, including pending development projects.
"It would not be prudent to use the finances that we have for luxuries yet we are very constrained," she said.
She said after the review of performance contract exercise that is currently on going, the staff could opt to go to neighbouring counties for bonding where it will not cost taxpayers a lot.
"Currently, we have Homa Bay County Government retreating in Kisumu. We can reciprocate by going to their county or the nearby Western Region to save on the little finances we have," said Ms Odinga.
But the county secretary defended the retreat but did not disclose how much the trip would cost.
"The trip will ensure staff acquire knowledge on how to forge ahead as a county and provide better services to the people," he said.
Kisumu City Residence Voice chairman Audi Ogada had threatened to take legal action against the county.
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