By Gerald Mukembu
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki
Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced a sweeping reorganization of the county executive and chief officers in a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across various departments.
Governor Njuki said the restructuring was necessary to enhance performance and accountability within county departments. He directed all affected officers to complete handover processes by Friday.
“I want to assure the people of Tharaka-Nithi that I will continue to serve diligently until I hand over the instruments of power to the next governor,” he said.
The latest reshuffle comes just a week after similar changes were made in the administration and health departments.
In the changes announced on Monday, Ms. Kelly Karimi Rwigi was promoted from Chief Officer for Gender and Children to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender and Social Services.
Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael was moved from the Revenue and Trade docket to become CECM for Roads, Transport, Infrastructure, Public Works, Housing, Urban Development and ICT.
He switched positions with Mr. Giti Kijiru, who now takes over the Revenue and Resource Mobilisation department.
Several executives retained their current positions.
Ms. Moreen Nyambura continues as CECM for Youth, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Lawrence Ireri remains in charge of Finance and Economic Planning, and Ms. Dorothy Naivasha stays on at Education, Vocational Training and Culture.
Dr. Gichuyia Nthuraku continues overseeing Public Health and Medical Services, Mr. Muthini Karangi retains the docket of Administration, Intergovernmental Coordination and Devolution Affairs, while Mr. Njagi Njue remains at the helm of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Environment, Mining and Industry.
The governor also made several new appointments and transfers among chief officers. Mr. Alex Kinyua was named Chief Officer for Youth, Sports and Tourism, and Ms. Winnie Mukiri appointed Gender and Social Services. Ms. Rose Micheni was transferred from Public Health to Medical Services, replacing Mr. Karani Riungu, who moved to Revenue and Resource Mobilisation. Mr. Benson Kimathi Njeru now heads Public Health, having shifted from the Trade and Investment docket, which has been assigned to Mr. Mugambi Kigwari from Revenue.
Other key changes include Mr. Gikundi Kiruya took over Public Administration, Intergovernmental Coordination and Devolution Affairs, while Mr. Mbae Karuku retains the Lands and Physical Planning docket. Ms. Irene Nkirote moves to Energy and Industry, Mr. Peter Kimathi Njeru remains in Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Gibson Gikundi has been assigned to Fisheries, Mr. Peterson Kathenya takes over Environment and Climate Change, and Ms. Loise Wanja continues as Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation.
