Governor Mutai sacks three County Executive Committee members

Governor Eric Mutai addressing the press at Regional Criminal investigations offices in Nakuru over attacks on Tea Farms in Kericho, on June 6, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has sacked three County Executive Committee (CEC) members.

In a press statement, Dr Mutai said the three had been served with notices terminating their contracts, effective November 6.

The affected CECs are Lawrence Bii, (Trade, Industrialization, Cooperative Management, Tourism, and Wildlife), Erick Kipngetich Koech (Public Service Management) and Daniel Rop (Information, Communication, E-Government, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Sports).

"I have made changes in the cabinet to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services. The move reflects my commitment to improving governance in Kericho County," the governor.

Mutair further said that he had submitted names of three nominees to replace the outgoing CECs to the county assembly for vetting.

The CEC nominees are former Kipkelion West MP Jackson Rop for the Trade, Industrialization, Cooperative Management, Tourism, and Wildlife Department.

Malel John Kipruto has been nominated to head the Public Service Management Department and Ronald Kiplangat Kemoi the Information, Communication, E-Government, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Sports portfolio.

To ensure regional balance, the governor picked the CEC nominees from the constituencies where the sacked cabinet ministers hailed from.

Furthermore, Deputy Governor Fred Kirui was a key beneficiary of the changes, after he was given the additional role of overseeing the Water and Sanitation department.

"The developments mark a significant transformation in Kericho county's leadership and government structure," said Mutai.

A former CEC said the sacking was a surprise to him and he was still trying to comprehend the turn of events.