Ongwae makes changes in key departments

Kisii Governor James Ongwae (L) and his CEC Finance Moses Onderi when they appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) on Audit queries at Parliament. [Boniface Okendo/Standard]

Governor James Ongwae (pictured) has reshuffled several senior officers in his administration.

The changes have affected officers in the finance, accounting and revenue departments.

In the changes, the chief officer, finance, Beatrice Ochoki has been moved to the department of water in the same capacity.

Her position has been taken over by former planning and economic development chief officer, Wilfred Auma.

Auma has been replaced by Zablon Ongori who was moved from the water services department.

Timothy Kambuni replaces Billah Mogaka who was transferred to trade and industry.

Alex Nyamweya, who has been the deputy county secretary has been promoted to the department of stakeholder management and public participation as the chief officer.

His position has been taken over by Robert Ombasa.

Nyamweya replaces Dr Nyokangi Doris who moves to education, labour and manpower development.

County Secretary Patrick Lumumba said the changes take effect immediately.

“This is aimed at improving service delivery and restoring confidence in our people that we are ready to discharge our duties according to the law,” he said.

Several changes were also made in procurement, revenue administration and budget departments.

New appointments were also made in line with the formation of the Municipality Board.

Crispinus Ibalai takes over as the chief finance officer to replace Benard Omosa who has been appointed chief officer in the newly created department of revenue management.

New supply chain management officers have also been posted to Treasury and Kisii Municipality.

Kisii municipality has also received a designated engineer; Haron Ayaro to supervise its Sh164 million World Bank funded projects.

The reshuffle came just as the County Assembly was preparing to debate a report on suspected misuse of resources and abuse of office by some of Governor Ongwae’s officials.

The governor has also been struggling to contain a leakage of key documents to activists who have already petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.