Mutua reshuffles county cabinet, chief officers

Governor Alfred Mutua yesterday announced a major shake-up in his County Executive Committee in a move aimed at streamlining service delivery to Machakos residents.

The shake-up also affected some chief officers in various departments.

The changes saw Morris Aluanga, who has been holding the roads, transport and public works portfolio swap places with Naomi Mutie, taking over at the water, irrigation and natural resources docket.

Francis Mwaka, the minister for trade, industrialisation and innovation was moved to tourism, youth, sports and culture replacing Ruth Mutua, who moves to take charge of the education, skills training and social welfare.

However, the governor suspended Titus Kavila as the minister for county administration and decentralised units for two months and assigned Lazarus Kivuva to serve in acting capacity.

Kivuva, who until yesterday was the minister in charge of education, skills training and social welfare was moved to trade, industry and innovation ministry.

New appointment

Mutua has also nominated James Kathili, who is the current county legal officer to occupy the higher office of the county attorney. Kathili, who is also an advocate of the High Court, is will be vetted by the county assembly.

Among the chief officers who were affected by Mutua’s reshuffle are Carlos Kioko (youth and sports), who has been deployed to the office of the county secretary in the same capacity. James Mutunga, previously of forensics and inspectorate services will take over the same role at the trade, industry and innovation ministry.

Robert Maitha (county administration and decentralised units) will take up additional responsibilities for inspectorate services while Victor Muniafu, who has been serving in acting capacity in the ministry of tourism and culture, will take up additional responsibilities in the youth and sports docket.

Mutua said the changes take effect immediately.