Kwale Governor-elect Fatuma Achani has promised to run an ‘open county government’ once inaugurated into office.
Achani said the elections were over and it was time to come together for the good of the county promising to run an ‘open, inclusive and collective administration’.
She said this as preparations to swear in the coastal county’s first female governor on Thursday have been finalized.
Achani, who is also the outgoing Deputy Governor, says she will be honest, transparent and trustworthy in dealing with the people.
She has assured residents that she will work every day to make them proud.
Achani thanked the people for voting her at the just concluded August 9 general election and the UDA party for giving her the platform to serve the people.
She also promised to complete all ongoing projects started by the outgoing Governor whom she said has left behind a development legacy.
“Our priority areas for sustainable growth and development shall be revenue reform for economic independence, road infrastructure and rural economic development, responsive healthcare system and revival of the tourism sector,” she said.
She said the county receives a budget of Sh. 8 billion from the exchequer annually but asked the residents to support the county by paying their taxes and other civic duties.
The governor-elect called for stronger synergy between the local legislature and the county government and other arms of government in the budget in a process conducted with integrity, patriotism and responsiveness.
Achani was speaking when she hosted elected Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and Lungalunga MP-elect for a breakfast meeting at the County Government Headquarters.
She said her deputy, having served as MCA, would collectively ensure that the local assembly would be empowered to play its oversight role effectively.
She is set to take the oath of office as the county’s second governor at the newly constructed Kwale Sports Stadium on Thursday at 9 am.
Achani will take her oath of office alongside her Deputy Josephat Kombo who is the outgoing MCA for Samburu/Chengoni ward.
Justice Olga Sewe and magistrate Joseph Mutuku will administer the oath of office to Achani and Kombo respectively.
By Hussein Abdullahi
