Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has said that he will institute new systems in different departments of government to ensure delivery of services to the county residents.
The governor particularly said that he would hold responsible each department for the execution of their duties besides taking time himself to check on what they were doing.
Consequently, he reminded civil servants to go back to work and support his government to ensure they improved the livelihoods of the people of Makueni County.
“I urge all public servants to go back to work. I will hold each department responsible for the execution of their duties from today onwards. I will check and trust me, I will check through the systems that delivery of services to wananchi is not taken for granted,” he said after being sworn in as the governor by Judge Robert Limo at Unoa Sports Ground on Thursday.
At the same time, the governor said that he wants to invigorate and improve on governance in the County government and ensure there is no corruption that would hinder development.
Further, the county boss said that he would work closely with elected leaders including members of Makueni County Assembly (MCAs) to ensure they prioritise projects that would be beneficial to the people.
On farming, Mutula said that his government would particularly look for market for mangoes, oranges and pixies to avoid middlemen who were swindling farmers in the county.
“My government will get market for farmers’ produce to do away with middlemen who buy the fruits at throw away price,” he said.
Also, the governor said that his government would work to ensure the perennial problem of water in the county is handled and people get the scarce commodity.
He lauded his predecessor Kivutha Kibwana for laying good foundation for the people of Makueni to reap from the fruits of devolution.
Kibwana challenged the incoming governor to ensure he keeps the high standards that the county had following the good foundation and development record made during his tenure.
At the same time, he thanked the county government staff for the exemplary work they did collectively in ensuring Makueni County attained development while promising never to antagonise the incoming administration.
“I will not trouble you in any way. Serve the people of Makueni County in peace,” Kibwana said.
Speaking at the same event, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka reminded the governor that he expected excellence from him by ensuring development of the county was taken a notch higher.
“I expect excellent performance from the governor. You were rated the best Senator and you should do the same as governor,” Musyoka said.
On Thwake, the Wiper leader urged that efforts be made to ensure the dam is constructed to completion and ensure water was availed for domestic use and irrigation of farms to increase food production in Ukambani region.
Musyoka urged the newly appointed governors Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Mutula Kilonzo (Jnr) (Makueni) and Julius Malombe (Kitui) to use the county resources prudently to ensure the people of Ukambani region got value for their money.
Present at the ceremony included Members of Parliament –elect Thaddaeus Nzambia (Mukaa), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), Jessica Mbalu (Kibwezi East), Susan Kiamba (Makueni) and Rose Museo (Makueni Woman Rep.) besides elected MCAs and other invited guests.
By Patrick Nyakundi