CABINET RESHUFFLE: Why Lusaka retained Monica Fedha against GenZ demands

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

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.

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.