Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has officially sworn in 16 newly appointed Chief Officers to serve in various departments of the County Government, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing strengthening of the county’s administrative and service delivery structures.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the County Headquarters, brought together County Executive Committee Members (CECs), members of the County Public Service Board (CPSB), Members of the County Assembly, senior county officials, staff and members of the public.
The newly appointed officers are expected to provide departmental leadership, coordinate implementation of county programmes, oversee public resources and support the delivery of essential services to residents across Trans Nzoia’s five sub-counties.
Governor Natembeya congratulated the appointees and urged them to approach their new responsibilities with professionalism, commitment and a clear understanding of their respective mandates.
👥 Meet the 16 Newly Sworn-In Chief Officers
The newly appointed Chief Officers will serve across key sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare-related administration, infrastructure, public service management, trade, tourism and youth development.
🌾 Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Development
- Charles Wasike Barasa — Agriculture and Irrigation
- Emmanuel Waswa Simiyu — Livestock and Fisheries
- Godfrey Walubengo Sawenja — Cooperative Development
💼 Finance, Planning and Public Administration
- Ben Kwatemba — Economic Accounting and Procurement
- Bernard Madegwa Lidaywa — Planning
- Philip Kapten — Public Service Management
- Wilfred Yano Chepkole — Governance
- Samuel Masika — Performance Management
🏗️ Infrastructure, Lands and Education
- Mark Mulunda Khamila — Public Works and Energy
- Martin Muzungu Bunyasi — Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development
- Daniel Chakulu Masinde — Education
- Fred Mang’eni — Vocational Training
🤝 Social Development, Youth and Economic Growth
- Lucy Ng’ang’a Nyambura — Gender and Social Development
- Hosea Sismat Chemche — Youth, Sports and Talent Development
- Catherine Kerubo Ochengo — Tourism, Culture and Performing Arts
- Teresiah Cherotich — Trade and Industry
📋 Recruitment and Vetting Process
Governor Natembeya said the appointments followed the expiry of the contracts of the previous office holders and were undertaken through the prescribed recruitment and vetting procedures.
According to the Governor, the County Public Service Board conducted the recruitment exercise, during which candidates were interviewed before successful nominees were forwarded to the County Assembly for vetting.
He emphasised that the vetting process was an essential legal requirement designed to ensure that appointments met the required standards before the officers assumed office.
The Governor commended the County Public Service Board for its role in facilitating the recruitment process and congratulated the successful candidates on their appointments.
🏢 New Responsibilities in County Administration
Following the swearing-in, Governor Natembeya directed County Executive Committee Members to facilitate the induction of the newly appointed officers on county government operations and their respective departmental responsibilities.
The officers were instructed to begin their duties immediately, with the induction expected to familiarise them with administrative procedures, departmental priorities and the implementation of county development programmes.
The Governor further explained that the Chief Officers would receive delegated authority from the County Public Service Board to handle specified human resource matters on behalf of the county government.
These responsibilities are expected to include staff promotions, disciplinary matters, leave administration and employee welfare, within the scope of the authority delegated to them.
🎯 Focus on Service Delivery and Accountability
The Governor underscored the importance of effective leadership, responsible management of public resources and close supervision of departmental activities.
He urged the officers to remain accessible to county employees, work collaboratively with other departments and maintain high standards of integrity in executing their mandates.
Natembeya also encouraged the appointees to take an active role in managing their departments, maintaining proper records and ensuring that public resources are directed towards approved programmes and services.
He reminded them that their appointments represented an opportunity to serve residents and contribute to the county’s development priorities.
The Governor further called for humility and teamwork within the county administration, emphasising that all public officers share a common responsibility to serve the people of Trans Nzoia.
The swearing-in marks an important administrative milestone for the County Government of Trans Nzoia as the new Chief Officers take up their respective roles. Their leadership and coordination across departments will be central to implementing county priorities and delivering services to residents throughout the county.
