CABINET RESHUFFLE: Why Lusaka retained Monica Fedha against GenZ demands

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In Summary:

  • Reshuffle
  • Reasons for retaining Monica Fedha
  • flashback; Appointments and reshuffles

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on Friday 8th November 2024 reshuffled his Cabinet in a statement that reads as follows;

In a decisive move to boost service delivery in Bungoma County, I have taken the necessary step of reshuffling my Cabinet to ensure optimal performance and stronger teamwork.
As a government halfway through its term, we cannot afford delays in delivering services to our people.
My commitment to serving the people of Bungoma is unwavering, and I need a team that fully understands and shares my vision for our county’s progress.
Therefore, I have appointed;
  1. Engineer Agnes Wachiye ~ CECM for Education
  2. Dr. Monica Fedha as CECM for Trade
  3. Mr. Benedict Emachar ~ CECM for Gender
  4. Dr. Wamamili Wanyonyi ~ CECM for Public Service.
  5. Beatrice Nakhumicha ~ Chief Officer for Youth and Sports
  6. Timothy Wanjala ~ Chief Officer for Cooperatives.
I am confident this new team will work together seamlessly to realize our shared vision for Bungoma County.

~ Kenneth Malelo Lusaka ~

Dr. Monica Salano Fedha, CECM for Trade – Bungoma

Dr. Fedha, Monicah Salano on Friday 18th Oct 2024 graduated at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology’s 12th Graduation ceremony. She was conferred a Degree in Doctor of Philosophy in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture making her one of the top scholars in Kenya in matters Agriculture

Dr. Salano wrote this after the announcement;

He is a God of promises, a God of covenants and a God of second chances..I am grateful to His Excellency Governor Kenneth Lusaka for reassigning me to the Department of Trade, Energy and Industrialisation. I promise to continue serving the people of Bungoma with diligence, integrity, commitment and dedication, while implementing the manifesto and vision of H.E the Governor. ~ Monica Salano Fedha

  FLASHBACK;  

On 18th June 2024 Lusaka conducted a cabinet reshuffle as follows;

I have today executed a major reshuffle within my cabinet, appointing six new chief officers to boost service delivery.
In these latest changes, I have transferred Eng. Hebert Kibunguchi from the water department to the agriculture docket. Benedict Emachar has moved from public management to education and vocational training, and Carolyne Khalayi has transitioned from trade to health.
Eng. Agnes Wachiye has been reassigned from gender and sports to public service management.
Bonveture Chengeck will continue to serve in the roads department, and Douglas Sasita will remain responsible for lands, physical planning, housing, and municipalities.
Dr. Andrew Wekesa has shifted from health to water and natural resources, and Dr. Monicah Fedha has moved from agriculture to gender, sports, and culture. David Wanyonyi Wamamili has transitioned from education to trade, while Crispinus Barasa will continue overseeing the finance docket.
The newly appointed chief officers are Timothy Wafula for the youth docket, David Maling’a for gender and culture, Rashid Fwamba for housing and municipalities, Andrew Wamukoya for economic planning, Sam Nalwa for education and vocational training, and Andrew Musungu for livestock and veterinary services.
I am confident that these changes will optimize service delivery and leverage the unique strengths of my officers. I assure residents of improved services and have great faith in the talents I have selected.

On 19th July 2024 in response to GenZ protests against several concerns among them the appointment of Mrs. Fedha in the Youth docket, Governor Lusaka wrote;

  1. I have today addressed the petition from our Gen Z youth regarding transparency and accountability in our county. The concerns raised are legitimate and deserve our full attention.
  2. The petition highlighted the need for clarity on the 352 county-managed accounts. These accounts include established public funds, special purpose accounts, project management accounts, and others linked to county operations. I confirm the existence and proper categorization of these accounts.
  3. The demand for a comprehensive youth and sports policy is crucial. These policies are currently at the approval stage in the County Assembly. I urge for expedited approval and public participation to include the youth’s views.
  4. Concerning the call for Dr. Monica Fedha’s removal, she has been placed on a one-month compulsory leave pending investigations. A committee led by Advocate Saul Wasilwa will investigate the allegations. I encourage the youth and other stakeholders to submit their petitions to aid in this investigation.
  5. We have met the legal requirement of allocating 30% of our tenders to youth, women, and persons with disabilities for the fiscal year 2023/24. Detailed information is available at the procurement department for those interested
  6. I acknowledge the call for re-organization of the County Public Service Board. Any concerns should be formally addressed to the County Assembly, following due process as outlined in the Constitution and the County Governments Act.
  7. Addressing conflicts of interest and corruption within the Finance and Procurement departments, my administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. We have initiated a re-organization and transferred officers who have been in one station for more than three years.
  8. Regarding other demands, I provided criteria for meeting venues, justified the expenditure for Madaraka Day celebrations, and clarified the funding and benefits of my international trips.
I am committed to addressing the youth’s concerns through transparent governance and inclusive policies, fostering a responsive and accountable county administration.
Why Fedha was retained;
My rat indicates that;
  • The Petition against her was flat with her age being the only concern in the Youth docket. It did not qualify her summary dismissal from duty.
  • The department of Agriculture was ranked the best Performing Sector in Bungoma County by the Counties peer review mechanism.
  • She’s well educated and therefore experienced.

Other reasons include;

  • She needed time off social media and office work to concentrate on her studies
  • GenZ protest lost momentum thanks to the formation of the broad-based government and therefore cant reoccur in the near future
  • Dr. Fedha is loyal, kept her cool during the compulsory leave
  • She knows a lot having previously served in various key positions in Lusaka’s government.

NOTE: Governor Lusaka was unavailable for comment

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