Kennedy Akala Aluda who was on Thursday sworn-in as chairperson of the Vihiga County Public Service Board alongside other Board members has committed to upholding integrity, transparency and accountability.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Office of Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, who was also present.
Vihiga Principal Magistrate Jacqueline Agonda administered the oath of office to Akala and other elected Board members that included Ibrahim Kugo, Dr.Elizabeth Gloria, Anindo Wanyama and Jairus Opati Ounza.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Akala appreciated the work of the immediately preceding board saying that the work would form the basis of service of the new board, noting that the new board would build on the preceding board’s success while also working to sort out challenges the board had faced.
He thanked the Governor for the nomination, the Vihiga County Assembly for approval and the selection panel for finding it fit to approve his name for the role.
Akala further said that he was fully aware of the expectations and challenges that awaited him and would make sure to abide with the National values and principles of governance and that of the Public Service besides adhering to high standards of professional service.
“I also commit to fostering transparency, fairness and accountability in all processes of recruitment, promotion and management of public officer as guided by merit, inclusivity and the rule of law,” promised Akala.
He promised to build a responsive, effective and efficient public service that would truly serve the needs and aspirations of the Vihiga County.
He said that he was also aware that he would not undertake the tasks alone but success would be based on teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect among board members, county leadership and other stakeholders involved.
“Under my leadership the board will adhere to high standards of professional ethics and I promise the Vihiga County residents that I will improve service delivery and promote professionalism in the County Public Service Board,” assured Akala.
He also said that he looked forward to working with everyone to achieve their shared vision of a prosperous, just and well governed county guided by the principles of integrity, equity and service above all.
He promised that as the chair he would prioritize streamlined human resource systems, leverage technology to enhance appointments, promotions and performance tracking. He said his particular focus would be to tailor policies that would advance youth employment and gender equity in the hiring of staff.
He concluded by saying that he was eager to contribute his experience to the Vihiga County Public Service Board.
The County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and Administration, Dr. Nicholas Mwandihi also present at the event urged the new board to leverage on the Constitution of Kenya in order to build a better work force at the county.
He also urged the new board to provide a conducive work environment for the workers of the county to be able to deliver out their best.
He wished the newly elected members the best in their endeavors and encouraged them to work with the county leadership for effective performance.
The outgoing Vihiga County Public Service Board Chairperson, Ambassador Franklin Esipila pointed out recruitment of workers, matters of corruption, the payroll, discipline of workers, promotion of staff and certification as some of the areas that the incoming board should focus on.
He reiterated that as the previous board, they did their very best and thanked Governor Ottichilo and the Vihiga County Assembly led by the Speaker Christopher Omulele for their unwavering support during their tenure at the board.
By Yvonne Misango and Maureen Imbayi
