Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti on Friday directed his officers to focus on completing pending projects.
He said that time is running out, and the August 9 General Election is fast approaching without his government completing flagship projects.
The governor, who is serving his second and final term, promised residents that he would finish the projects his government initiated in the first term.
Some of the projects he initiated include Arujo Animals Feed (Homa Bay Town), Kigoto Maize Mill (Suba South) and Homa Bay Stadium (Homa Bay Town).
The projects stalled but now Awiti wants them completed before the elections.
“Let all departments focus on completing all the construction works, especially the flagship projects. The legacy we want to leave relies on the projects,” Awiti said.
He spoke in his office during the swearing in of Sports and Culture executive Maurice Okwany and five chief officers.
The chief officers included Joshua Orero, who was a running mate of Oyugi Magawanga for Homa Bay gubernatorial race during the 2017 elections.
Orero was appointed Trade chief officer. Others are Ruth Achieng (Energy), Kenneth Omondi (Roads), Samuel Owigo (Agriculture) and Dolphin Ochere (Education).
They took the oath of office before Homa Bay deputy registrar Tom Olando. They will all serve under a contract term of three years.
Awiti urged them to work as a team to enable him fulfil his pre-election pledges. They were told to do aboveboard, lawful and transparent procurements.
“Share with us any new ideas that can help us move forward and develop residents. Let’s not keep them back because the ideas are meant to benefit the same Homa Bay people,” he said.
The governor has on several occasions decried that his administration has financial constraints, saying this has delayed the completion of the projects.
Awiti said his county is ready to work with partners, including external donors, so they can implement all the projects.
“The limited resources must be used prudently to ensure we implement the necessary and viable projects,” he added.
Executive officers present Isaiah Ogwe (the county secretary), Nicholas K’Oriko (Finance), Richard Muga (Health), Aguko Juma (Agriculture) and Akoko Nyaoke (Roads).
Ogwe said the newly appointed officers were taken through a competitive vetting process.
He told the officers to adhere to the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) document to ensure there is uniformity in the implementation of the projects.
“The governor is at liberty to terminate the contract if you do not perform. The good qualities you displayed during the vetting process should be reflected in your performance,” Ogwe said.
