- Among the key concerns by the youth was recent revelation that the county operates 352 bank accounts.
- The youth had also demanded the removal of Monica Fedha from her position as Youth, Sports and Culture County Executive Committee Member.
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Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has responded to a petition filed by the Gen Zs in the county on transparency and accountability.
The youth had submitted a petition highlighting several key issues concerning county governance and administration.
"The youth have raised legitimate concerns which deserve our full attention," stated Lusaka.
Among the key concerns by the youth was the recent revelation that the county operates 352 bank accounts.
Lusaka confirmed the existence of these accounts, categorising them into established public funds, special purpose accounts, project management accounts, and various others linked to county operations.
The petition further called for the development and implementation of a comprehensive youth and sports policy.
“Policies are at the approval stage within the County Assembly,” the governor assured as he called for expedited approval and public participation to incorporate the views of the youth.
The youth had also demanded the removal of Monica Fedha from her position as Youth, Sports and Culture County Executive Committee Member.
In response, Lusaka announced that Fedha had been directed to take a one-month compulsory leave pending investigations.
“A committee, chaired by Advocate Saul Wasilwa, has been formed to investigate the allegations against her,” he said.
“The youth and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit their petitions to facilitate the investigation.”
Lusaka further assured that the county met the legal requirement of allocating 30 per cent of its tenders to youth, women, and persons with disabilities for the fiscal year 2023/24.
He invited those interested to review detailed information to visit the procurement department.
Lusaka addressed the call for a re-organisation of the County Public Service Board, emphasising the need to follow due process as outlined in the Constitution and the County Governments Act.
He encouraged petitioners to formally approach the County Assembly if they had issues with specific board members.
Responding to concerns about conflicts of interest and corruption within the Finance and Procurement departments, Governor Lusaka reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
He announced a re-organisation within these departments and the transfer of officers who have remained in one station for more than three years.