With about two years to the end of the tenure of the current Kakamega county government, the regional Governor Fernandes Barasa finally put to rest a protracted legal battle with a section of the public service board staff that moved to court for remedial after he sacked some.

The discharge of the legal tussle at the industrial and labour court in Kakamega paved the way for appointment and swearing-in of the Kakamega County Public Service Board, which has been redundant for more than a year.

During the period the board was in abeyance, Kakamega, the biggest town in western Kenya, shedded its reputation as one of the cleanest urban settlements in the country that did not have beggars or street families. Now, the town has descended into rot as beggars and urchins creep into the central business district and sleep just outside the governor’s office.

Residents expressed relief following the appointment and swearing-in of the board and hope it will speedily restore the image of the town once associated with gold-mining, indigenous culture and large-scale sugarcane farming.

Governor Barasa swore-in of the newly appointed members of the Kakamega County Public Service Board at Bukhungu Stadium on May 8, 2025. The governor expressed confidence in the new board.

“Citizens of this county and the nation as a whole should be confident that you will not be swayed by any considerations other than the publicly set out criteria for undertaking your official duties. Your integrity must be above-board,” he said.

He placed emphasis on integrity, fairness and a commitment to excellence.

James Wakungwi Sakwa officially assumed office as chair of the board. He will serve alongside Raphael Milikau Otaalo, Vivien Ayuma Asiachi and Jason Stanlake Mulama as board members.

Barasa reminded the board of the importance of promoting efficiency, accountability and professionalism in human resource management. He reminded them that they are expected to drive reforms and uphold high standards in public service delivery.

“You are expected to avoid the temptation to discriminate. Tribe, gender or race should never be the reason for favouring potential candidates or for taking position while undertaking your duties,” he said.

He urged the board to refrain from pursuing private over public interests.

“Given the high stakes associated with the office, you are encouraged to operate with a sense of independence, integrity and impartiality in discharging your duties,” the governor said. “Whatever you will be doing, will have a bearing on the quality of the staff we need to deliver quality services to the residents of Kakamega County.”

The governor also urged the board to always adhere to the constitutional provision of ensuring 30 per cent of the recruitment is reserved for candidates from outside the county.

“The constitution allows counties to have a provision of 30 per cent of the tribes which are not domiciled within the county. Kakamega county is not meant for one tribe alone and that is one of the areas I expect a lot of support from the board,” he explained.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Moses Wekesa