Governor Kimemia appoints 15 new chief officers, draws criticism

Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia (pictured) has appointed 15 chief officers, sparking off criticism from his opponents that the beneficiaries were not from the county.

The appointment of the senior officers comes after the expiry of terms of service for former chief officers who were recruited by Kimemia's predecessor Daniel Waithaka.

The names of the new appointees have been forwarded to the county assembly for approval.

They are; Samuel Mwangi (Transport and Energy), Lawrence Mwangi (Public works), Dr Joseph Muchagi (Agriculture), Rose Kajaira (Fisheries), Martin Kabubii (Water and Environment), Mary Waithera (Tourism and Natural Resources) and Samson Kabugi who will serve in the Trade and Industry docket.

Others are Samuel Kiriri (Cooperative development), Jeremiah Gitau (Finance), Muigai Wainaina (Economic development), Isaac Waithaka (Youths and Sports), Mary Ndorongo (Public Administration), Sarah Waithera (Education and Culture Services), Florence Wanzila (Lands and Physical planning) and Nelson Kamilu to serve in the health docket.

Governor Kimemia said that the appointments considered gender and sub-county representation.

“All our five sub-counties have been considered in these appointments and I would urge the county assembly to consider them so that that service delivery to the people of Nyandarua can continue,” he said.

However, the appointments have been met with criticism by a section of local residents.

They argued that the government had appointed outsiders from Kiambu, Kakamega, Machakos and Nakuru counties leaving out those from Nyandarua.

“It is like we do not have people who are well educated in this region to serve in the positions. People with disability have not been considered either,” said Machithi Machithi, an official of Kituo Cha Sheria Foundation.

He urged the county assembly to drop the names of those from outside the county so that priority be given to those who hailed from Nyandarua.