Governor Ottichilo Reshuffles Vihiga County Executive to Enhance Service Delivery
Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has announced a significant reshuffle of the County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), a strategic move aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery across departments. The changes, executed under Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, align with Articles 179 (4) and (6) of the Constitution of Kenya and are designed to ensure departmental leadership meets performance targets.
The changes are meant to realign leadership with performance goals and enhance service delivery in all sectors, Governor Ottichilo said, highlighting that the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and optimize county operations.
Nine CECMs were affected by the reshuffle. Prof. Mike Iravo moved from Transport and Infrastructure to head Physical Planning, Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Dr. Ruth Agesa shifted from Education and Technical Vocational Training to Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports, and Social Services, while Dr. Nicholas Kitungulu now oversees Health Services, taking over from Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Julius Kiboen Maruja moved from Health Services to Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, and Grace Kadenge was transferred to Transport and Infrastructure from Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Other notable changes include Dr. Jairus Boston Amayi, who was reassigned from Finance and Economic Planning to Environment, Water, Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. Anne C. Desma moved from Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports, and Social Services to Education and Technical Vocational Training. Meshack Mulongo takes over Finance and Economic Planning from Environment and Natural Resources, while Joseph K. Lunani and Dr. Nicholas K. Mwandihi retained their positions in Commerce, Tourism and Cooperatives, and Public Service and Administration, respectively.
County officials stated that the reshuffle is aimed at optimizing departmental performance, improving coordination, and ensuring that public services meet the expectations of Vihiga residents. Analysts say the changes could lead to faster project implementation, enhanced accountability, and better service delivery.
Governor Ottichilo’s move reflects a commitment to results-driven governance, signaling a renewed focus on efficiency, transparency, and leadership alignment across Vihiga County’s executive departments.