Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has carried out a significant reshuffle in his county government by announcing a fresh list of appointments aimed at improving service delivery across the county.
In a Kenya Gazette Notice dated March 25, 2025, Governor Barasa stated that the new appointments were made under the authority granted by Article 179 (2)(b) of the Constitution and sections 30 and 31 of the County Governments Act, 2012. He also confirmed that the changes would take immediate effect.
“Using the powers given to me by Article 179 (2)(b) of the Constitution, along with sections 30(2)(d), (e), and (l) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I, Fernandes Barasa, Governor of Kakamega County, hereby appoint the individuals listed in the first column of the Schedule to serve as members of the County Executive Committee.
They will be responsible for the departments listed in the second column, and their roles will begin on March 25, 2025,” read the Gazette notice.
Among the newly appointed officials is Godfrey Barasa Owori, who will now lead the Department of Trade, Industrialization, and Tourism. Benjamin Ogunyo Andama has been placed in charge of the critical Finance, Budget, Economic Planning, ICT, e-Government, and Communication docket. Meanwhile, Benard Lumosi Amwayi has been tasked with overseeing Education, Science, and Technology.
Livingstone Luvatse Imbayi will now serve as the County Executive in charge of Health Services, while Jackline Kakayi Masicha will head the Department of Social Services, Youth, Sports, Gender, Culture, and Library Services.
In another notable change, Angela Silima Muchai has been appointed to take charge of Lands, Housing, Urban Areas, and Physical Planning.
Apart from the new appointments, Governor Barasa also announced a reassignment of duties for some of the existing executive members. These changes took effect earlier, from March 7, 2025.
However, the latest shake-up has raised eyebrows due to the return of three individuals who had previously been dismissed from the county cabinet due to alleged poor performance.
Back in December 2024, Governor Barasa had fired five County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and ten Chief Officers, stating that the decision was meant to improve efficiency within his administration. The announcement was made at the county headquarters.
At that time, those removed included Dr. Bernard Wesonga, the then Health Minister; Mariam Barasa, CEC for Lands; Benjamin Andama, CEC for Public Service and Administration; and CPA Livingstone Imbayi, CECM for Finance and Economic Planning. Their dismissal was reportedly due to underperformance and failure to meet expectations.
“Our people expect nothing but the best when it comes to service delivery. That’s why I made those changes back then,” Governor Barasa said during the December press briefing.
“I need a team that is efficient, hardworking, and committed to delivering on my promises. I will not allow incompetence or laziness to hold us back.”
Now, just four months later, Andama and Imbayi have returned—this time with new roles and responsibilities.
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