National government officers in Turkana County have been directed to move from the county headquarters, Lodwar to their work stations within the next two weeks.
Devolution principal secretary Micah Powon said the officers had two weeks to report to their work stations or face consequences.
He made the order in response to concerns from elected leaders during the third County government’s medium term plan dissemination forum in Lodwar town on Monday.
“I am issuing a warning that those national government officers who stay in Lodwar and shun their work stations that they have two weeks to move to their work stations after which we shall crack the whip,” said Powon.
He ordered Deputy county commissioner Alexander Mativo to follow up and ensure the directive is complied with.
“Officers should not earn money without working in their work stations,” he added.
On his part, Mativo lamented that many chiefs live in Lodwar thereby denying citizens key services.
“It is unfortunate that some citizens have to travel all the way to Lodwar to seek services from cheifs who have shunned their offices,” he said.
He vowed to take action on the errant officers adding that those who are not ready to work from their work stations should resign.
The DCC also faulted departmental heads for not being firm on the officers.
Turkana north member of Parliament Christopher Nakuleu who is also the chairman of the local MPs’ caucus urged the national treasury to facilitate the national government officers to ensure they work from their stations.
“There is no reason why the national treasury cannot budget for the officers’ vehicles and office space,” said Nakuleu.
Most of civil servants in the county live in Lodwar.
By Peter Gitonga
