The newly appointed Senior Chief for Mathow Location in Griftu Division, Wajir West Sub-County, Bille Nunow Shihaw, has pledged to strengthen government service delivery and work closely with residents to address security, social and environmental challenges facing the area.
Bille made the pledge on Sunday after he was formally installed as the Senior Chief during a ceremony attended by government administrators, religious leaders as well as residents.
Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Samuel Kimani, who presided over the ceremony, urged the new administrator to ensure government programmes and services reach all residents.
“This position represents the government at the grassroots. You have been entrusted with an important responsibility, and you must take it seriously by ensuring that the presence of government is felt by every resident,” said Kimani.
He called on Bille to prioritise service delivery and work closely with government departments and the community in implementing national programmes and policies.
“We want our people to have the necessary documents and to participate fully in civic processes. Voter registration must be given the attention it deserves,” said Kimani.
The administrator further called for concerted efforts to address drug and substance abuse, crime and other social challenges, noting that security required cooperation between government agencies and residents.
“We must work together to fight drug abuse and crime. Security is not the responsibility of government officers alone; the community has an important role to play,” said Kimani.
He also urged residents to maintain peace and strengthen cohesion, saying disputes should be resolved through dialogue.
“Unity and cohesion are the foundation of development. Let us strengthen our bonds as a community and resolve our differences peacefully,” he said.
On environmental conservation, Kimani warned against illegal charcoal burning, saying the practice was contributing to environmental degradation and depleting natural resources.
“We must protect our environment. I am warning those involved in destructive charcoal burning to stop. Environmental degradation is a serious threat, and climate change is already affecting our communities,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Bille thanked the government and residents for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to discharge his duties in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Kenya.
“I will execute my duties diligently and in accordance with the laws of the land. I will work together with the community to ensure that government policies are implemented and that service delivery is felt by every resident,” he said.
Bille said he would work with residents and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting the community, including illegal charcoal burning, domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
He called on residents to cooperate with the administration by sharing information and supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining security and social order.
Community leaders welcomed the appointment, describing Bille as a disciplined and committed administrator with a good understanding of the area.
Muktar Ali, a resident, said the appointment recognised Bille’s commitment to the community.
Mainey Farah, another resident, cited Bille’s previous experience as a supervisor at Wajir Water and Sewerage Company (WAJIWASCO), saying the experience had prepared him for the responsibilities of public administration.
“His experience at WAJIWASCO demonstrated that he is a man who understands responsibility and service. We expect him to bring the same commitment and integrity to his new position,” Farah said.
A former retired Chief Noor Wario urged residents to support the new administration and work with the chief to address challenges facing the area.
“Leadership succeeds when the community and government work together. We should give Chief Bille the support he needs to deliver services and strengthen unity among our people,” he said.
Habiba, another speaker, said the community expected the new chief to ensure all residents were treated equally.
“We are proud to see one of our own entrusted with this responsibility. We expect him to listen to women, youth, elders and every member of the community without discrimination,” she said.
By Hamdi Buthul
