By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has urged the newly appointed County Executive Committee Member and two Chief Officers to serve the county diligently and ensure they deliver on their promises to the people.
Wanga said the appointments reflect a moment of renewal and commitment, reaffirming her administration’s resolve to provide efficient and people-centred services to the great people of Homa Bay.
She emphasised that the officers must be guided by the values of hard work, transparency, and service to humanity.
“The journey ahead requires teamwork, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the people and our collective vision of a prosperous county,” said Wanga.
According to Wanga, the appointees bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion that will be instrumental in driving their agenda forward.
“The individuals we are swearing in today bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion that will be instrumental in driving our agenda forward,” she said.
Engineer Elijah Ogodo Munga was sworn in as the County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, Talent Development, Gender, Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage, and Social Services, while Elly Nyiero will now serve as the Chief Officer in the same department.
Stephen Okeyo Othira has been appointed as the Chief Officer for Education, Human Capital Development, and Vocational Training.
“To our newly sworn-in leaders, today marks the beginning of a journey of service,” said Wanga.
“The people of Homa Bay have placed their trust in you, and they expect nothing less than excellence, accountability, and integrity,” she added.
“Your roles are not just about policies and programmes; they are about changing lives, building a brighter future, and leaving a legacy that future generations will be proud of,” said the Governor.
Wanga, however, urged the appointees to work closely with the people, listen to their concerns, and be proactive in finding solutions.
“Your success will be measured by the impact you make in the lives of the people you serve,” she said.
Empowering the Youth and Developing Talent
According to the Governor, young people are the cornerstone of the county’s future, and with the leadership of Ogodo and Nyiero, she expects bold and innovative policies to nurture sports and talent, enhance gender inclusivity, and preserve the county’s rich cultural heritage.
She stated that the county would continue investing in sports infrastructure, talent academies, and social development programmes to provide young people with the best opportunities to excel.
“Through structured mentorship programmes, skills development, and a strong focus on inclusivity, we will ensure that every young person in Homa Bay finds a platform to grow and thrive,” said Wanga.
“Our administration is keen on strengthening partnerships to support talent development, provide funding for creative industries, and promote social empowerment initiatives that uplift the most vulnerable in our society,” she added.
The Governor further affirmed her administration’s commitment to transforming education and skills development across the county.
She noted that the future of Homa Bay County is shaped by the investments they make in education today.
“With the appointment of Othira as the Chief Officer for Education, we are reinforcing our commitment to improving access to quality education and skills training,” she said.
“We are making significant progress in constructing modern Early Years Education (EYE) classrooms, expanding vocational training institutions, and strengthening our bursary and scholarship programmes, including the Fins to Swim and Fundi Mang’ula initiatives,” said Wanga.
“I charge you, Mr Othira, to take up the challenge of ensuring our children and youth receive quality education and the skills needed to compete in a fast-changing world,” Wanga directed.
The event was also attended by Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, County Assembly Speaker Polycap Okombo, Majority Leader in the County Assembly Richard Ogindo, and other senior county and assembly officials.
Magwanga stressed that the officers must observe the code of conduct to ensure they diligently and effectively serve the people of Homa Bay.
He urged them to work tirelessly to create more job opportunities for unemployed residents.
“Any office you serve in has a code of conduct that is key to your service to the people,” he said.
“Your past, present, and future behaviour are all critical, and you must strive to serve our people diligently,” he advised.
“You are joining a team that already has a system in place, so you must ask yourself whether you are going to contribute positively or negatively to what has already been established,” he said.
