The Vihiga County government has unveiled a substantive County Secretary since former holder of the office Francis Ominde was dismissed in 2018.
Mr. Ezekiel Marley Ayiego was sworn into office on Thursday at a colourful ceremony presided over by Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo at the County headquarters in Mbale Town.
Addressing the ceremony, the Governor exuded optimism over what he said was Ayiego’s ability to streamline the county administration, especially the Human Resource Management (HRM) department that has been grappling with several challenges.
“Mr. Ayiego joins at the right time and we are confident he will streamline the Human Recourse Management docket that has been rocked by several administrative challenges since I assumed power,” said Ottichilo.
According to the governor, staff audit to establish exact number of county government employees and the problem of promotions are among the first and urgent assignment the immediate former Principal of Chesamis Boys High School is expected to deal with.
The governor cited the health department as having the highest level of job recruitment and promotions inequality.
“The problem of a bloated civil service and anomaly in staff promotions are yet to be properly addressed by County Public Service Board (CPSB),” reiterated Ottichilo.
The county boss regretted whereas many civil servants had stagnated in one position for a long time, few others that recently joined the government and had already been promoted to higher positions.
“This unfairness in job recruitment and promotions has worked against service delivery,” he observed.
In his acceptance speech, Ayiego promised to discharge duty with humility and due diligence.
“I look forward to creating a harmonious and effective working system between the county executive and assembly,” promised Ayiego.
Ayiego takes over from Public Service Chief Officer Mr. Philip Gavuna who has been acting since the former County Secretary was sacked following bitter fallout between him and the governor.
Mrs. Doris Mudeizi was also sworn into office as new commissioner to the CPSB where she will represent interests of people with living with disabilities.
The occasion was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi, members of the CPSB led by Chairperson Ambassador Franklin Esipila, county executive for public service Pamela Kimwele and her counterparts Mariita Agufana (Environment), Prof. Enonda Mwanje (Transport) and Dr. Amos Kutwa (Health).
By Maurice Aluda
