Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has announced a major shake-up of his cabinet through a Gazette Notice.
According to Governor Barasa, the changes were made in accordance with Article 179 (2)(b) of the Constitution and sections 30 and 31 of the County Governments Act, 2012, and would take effect immediately.
“In EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 179 (2) (b) of the Constitution as read with sections 30 (2) (d), (e), and (l) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I, Fernandes Barasa, Governor, Kakamega County, appoint the persons named in the first column of the Schedule to be members of the County Executive Committee of the County Government of Kakamega responsible for the matters respectively specified in the second column of the Schedule with effect from 25th March 2025,” the Gazette notice read.
Among those appointed to the County Executive Committee is Godfrey Barasa Owori, who will be in charge of the Department of Trade, Industrialization, and Tourism.
Benjamin Ogunyo Andama was appointed to the docket of Finance, Budget, Economic Planning, ICT, e-government, and Communication, while Benard Lumosi Amwayi takes over the Education, Science, and Technology portfolio.
Livingstone Luvatse Imbayi will lead the Health Services department, while Jackline Kakayi Masicha has been appointed to oversee Social Services, Youth, Sports, Gender, Culture, and Library Services.
Another shake-up saw Angela Silima Muchai placed in charge of Lands, Housing, Urban Areas, and Physical Planning.
In addition to the new appointments, Governor Barasa also announced the reassignment of roles among serving members of the executive, with the changes taking effect from March 7, 2025.
The appointments have however, raised controversy after he rehired three individuals who had previously been fired from the Cabinet over alleged incompetence.
In December 2024, Barasa sacked five County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and 10 Chief Officers in a move which he said was meant to boost efficiency.
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