Forty-five governors on Thursday took the oath of office promising to make their glowing election pledges a reality that uplifts lives.
They promised people-centred development, lower cost of living, jobs, fiscal prudence and fighting corruption.
The swearing-in ceremonies with their deputies took place simultaneously across 45 counties following the August 9 general election.
The oaths were administered by judges of the High Court in line with Section 12 of the Assumption of the Office of Governor Act, 2019.
They also signed the Integrity Code in the presence of judicial and ethics and anti-corruption officers.
Two counties — Mombasa and Kakamega — will elect their governors on Monday after the IEBC postponed the polls due to a mix-up in candidates’ details on the ballot papers.
Of the 45 governors, 11 retained their seats, 26 governors assumed office for the first time, and eight are pioneer governors who recaptured their seats after losing them in the 2017 general election.
In their speeches after taking the oaths, the new governors promised reforms, including curbing graft and wastage and implementing life-changing projects in their counties.
In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja and his deputy Njoroge Muchiri said they will restore the city’s lost glory and dignity.
“It is time to give Nairobi the honour it deserves as a city of dignity and order,” Sakaja said at the solemn event held at the KICC grounds and attended by President-elect William Ruto.
The former senator said he will leave a legacy as he aims at making his manifesto a reality.
The governor said Nairobi will be a city of hope for its residents and the globe at large.
“Days of idleness in Nairobi are over, days of hawkers being harassed on the streets are over. We set an example of making the Nairobi we want,” Sakaja said.
“A Nairobi that is propelled forward by the principles we agree on,” he said.
Sakaja said, however, leading Nairobi won’t be easy but expressed optimism that with the support of all leaders and residents, he will reform the city.
Sakaja will resume full roles of the county government as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, which has been performing four key roles, is set to revert them to the capital.
“Contrary to media reports, [NMS director general Mohammed] Badi is ready to hand the functions back,” he added.
Badi, who has been praised for a making vast improvements, gave his assurance that all transferred functions will be reverted to the county.
He said NMS has delivered on its mandate.
“NMS has accomplished all the tasks it was given in the two years and I thank Nairobi for the opportunity,” Badi said. "The projects that are underway will be handed over to the county.”
In Kisumu, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said it was now time to work for the residents after a period of intense politics.
“To my competitors in the just-ended elections, I say 'thank you for making the competition lively and exciting'. There can only be one winner in a contest,” he said.
Nyong'o said he was grateful to the national government and all development partners for supporting Kisumu..
“This is the vision that inspired me in my first five years. And you have appreciated our collective achievement by giving us yet another five years to build on that foundation."
In Bungoma, Governor Kenneth Lusaka, former Senate Speaker, said his administration will strengthen public service and strictly adhere to fairness and meritocracy.
Lusaka, the first governor of Bungoma, said he will set up an economic council in his office to get balanced advice.
“This will ensure greater accountability and collective accountability of decisions, thus averting a silo mentality. Further, we will mainstream public participation in all departments to achieve consensus of all stakeholders in programme implementation," he said.
Lusaka also promised to revamp agriculture.
New Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime will immediately embark on implementing his manifesto as he pledged to serve all residents equally.
“The Time has come now for us to give back to you by delivering on our manifesto. Our oath today is a binding contract with the people of this county,” Mwadime said.
The outspoken governor issued a strong warning to the county staffers that his government will not shield any county employee involved in graft and that incompetent staffers will not go unpunished.
“I believe this county has very competent staffers. All salaries shall be paid on time and we are promising to make sure all employees work to the satisfaction of the residents,” he said.
“Every contractor will be paid on time upon successfully completing the awarded tender. We will, however, not pay those who are used to doing shoddy jobs. We want the residents to see the value for their money,” he added.
In Kilifi, Governor Gideon Mung’aro promised to implement his 10-point agenda anchored in his manifesto.
“During my campaign, I promised to do 10 things but I have prioritised four. These issues were not campaign promises but issues that I pledge to fulfill,” he said.
He listed education, health, roads, and water as the four priority issues.
“The outgoing government laid the foundation and we will take it from where they left,” he added
He also said he would form the governor’s advisory council to serve as an guidance committee for his development roadmap.
In Kisii, Governor Simba Arati pledged to crack the whip at once on lazy staff and tackle sleaze. He promised to hand over any graft suspects to the EACC, the police and courts to get justice as he assumes office.
Arati vowed radical surgery in the public service to improve services.
“We have a huge task ahead requiring serious engagement with all stakeholders as part of multi-pronged efforts to spur service delivery. Thus, there is no room for lethargy,” he said.
Busia’s new boss, Governor Paul Otuoma, said his administration will not sideline elected leaders based on their political affiliation.
“Busia is greater than any individual,” Otuoma said.
“We should sacrifice our ambitions by putting the interests of the people first, irrespective of our party affiliations,” he said.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said he will institute an audit to establish the legitimate pending bills of the previous county administration.
Kang’ata observed that the pending bills amounting to more than Sh1.5 billion should be audited before they are paid.
By the end of last year, the county had pending bills amounting to Sh.1.55 billion, which the devolved unit owes mostly to contractors.
“If we embark on paying pending bills, we may lack money to do development. Sh2 billion is a lot and may deny us the opportunity to serve the Murang’a people,” Kang'ata said.
“Once we assume the office, I will request the office of the Auditor General to carry out a thorough audit and give us a report of the genuine bills. No fake bill will be paid,” he said.
Julius Malombe, who made a comeback after losing the Kitui governor seat in 2017, said he was alive to the expectations of the residents in his leadership
“Nonetheless, we have no choice but to join hands and tackle the issues head-on. There is no room for retreat, surrender or quitting.”
In this regard I request you indulge and join me in prioritisation and focus on key developmental aspects in the next 100 days,” Malombe saidreno.
In Siaya, renowned lawyer and new Governor James Orengo pledged to fully implement his manifesto.
“I will live here with you in the village. To those who think that Orengo cannot live in the village, I will be here 24 hours to deliver services,” he said.
In Embu, Governor Cecily Mbarire promised to tackle the huge wage bill dogging the county government and limiting development.
Mbarire, the county’s first woman governor, said her administration inherits a Sh2.2 billion debt from the outgoing regime.
“I promise my government will get to the bottom of all the pending bills to ascertain their legality to determine whether they are payable or not,” she said.
In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga promised to complete all incomplete projects initiated by hes predecessor Cyprian Awiti.
“Homa Bay people yearn for development and I want to assure you that we will do our best to deliver. We know our priorities and the people of Homa Bay will see the difference,” she assured them.
The promise was the same in Nyandarua where Governor Moses Ndirangu said he will prioritise development.
“I assure you I will work for you as your governor. I promise to serve all Kenyans despite their political alignment."
(Edited by V. Graham)
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