Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has carried out a major reshuffle of his county cabinet, sending nine senior officers on compulsory leave for one month as part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery.
In a statement, Governor Bii explained that the leave was a result of a review of the officers' performance, adding that a thorough staff appraisal process is essential for improving service delivery across the county.
As part of the reshuffle, Bii has reallocated several key executive positions. Elijah Kosgey has been moved from Public Service to become the new Executive for Education, while Dr. Sam Kotut has switched roles from Environment to Agriculture. Edward Sawe has been reassigned from Agriculture to Lands, and Anthony Sitienei will now head the Water Department after being transferred from Education.
In addition to these changes, Governor Bii has appointed Johnstonne Kotut as his economic advisor and Dr. Pius Kiplimo as the new Chief of Staff.
The reshuffle was announced shortly after a public function at the county headquarters, where Governor Bii called on residents to focus on development rather than political distractions. "Just ignore all those things you are hearing and this year let us focus on work and work," Bii said, urging Uasin Gishu's residents to support his administration's efforts.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the time for politics would come later. He lauded Bii for staying focused on governance and refraining from engaging in "cheap politics." Kapkea added, "When the time comes for politics, everyone will have a chance to explain what they have done. Come 2027, residents of Uasin Gishu will decide."
Governor Bii's administration has been under pressure from residents to take decisive action against non-performing county officials, but this reshuffle and compulsory leave are the first major steps toward addressing these concerns. The Governor’s development agenda, known as Nguzo Kumi (Ten Pillars), continues to be his focus as he seeks to improve service delivery and accountability in the county.