Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has pledged to prioritise the welfare of county employees, promising to strengthen job security, career progression and staff motivation to improve service delivery to residents.
The governor said public servants were the county government’s greatest asset and that ensuring their security of tenure was essential to building a motivated workforce capable of delivering quality services across all departments.
He spoke on Monday outside his office in Wote, Makueni Sub-County, during the swearing-in of three chief officers: Cyrus Mutisya Ngunyo for Budget, Revenue and Planning; Tryphine Kasyoka Mulei for Public Service Management; and Dr Alex Mulinge Muia for Health Services.
Mutula urged the newly appointed officers and other county employees to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability while working collaboratively to address residents’ needs.
“I expect you to work together with the new COs, to exhibit a high level of integrity, high standard of professionalism and high standards of accountability. Work as a team across departments and ensure you are guided by the interest of public service and needs of citizens,” he said.
During the ceremony, the governor witnessed 88 new appointments by the County Public Service Board, 73 promotions through conversion and the confirmation of 47 employees to permanent and pensionable terms.
He disclosed that 2,514 county employees had so far received promotions, while more than 2,500 others had been converted from contractual employment to permanent and pensionable terms.
“The biggest asset the government has is the workers. This administration wants you to have security of tenure in your offices. You are our agenda, what we call flagship project. My administration is to ensure our public service is motivated in a bid to deliver services to wananchi,” Mutula said.
He commended the County Public Service Board for facilitating the appointments, promotions and employment conversions, describing the milestones as recognition of employees’ contributions and an investment in strengthening the county’s institutional capacity.
“These milestones represent more than just administrative changes; they recognise the contribution of our staff, strengthen institutional capacity, and affirm our commitment to stable and motivated service,” he said.
The governor added that his administration would continue recognising and celebrating excellence in public service, expressing confidence that improved working conditions and career opportunities would translate into better services for residents.
He challenged county employees to remain committed to their responsibilities and ensure that public resources and government programmes were managed transparently and in the best interests of the public.
The ceremony also featured the swearing-in of three members of the Kee/Mbooni Municipality Board: Peter Nzau Mutua, Evelyn Ndanu and Francisca Mbithe Kalani.
County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa presided over the swearing-in of the public officials.
Those present included Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr Justin Kyambi, members of the County Executive Committee, the County Public Service Board and several Members of the County Assembly.
By Patrick Nyakundi and James Muindi
