This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On August 2017, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso made a bold statement when she declined the treatment of being offered a special seat during county functions. This marked a significant departure from the style of her predecessor, Isaac Ruto, who was known for his luxurious lifestyle.
Laboso's decision was not limited to the special seat. She also turned down those referring to her as 'your excellency', opting for the more humble title of 'Madam Governor' instead. This move was seen as a reflection of her commitment to service delivery and her desire to connect with the people of Bomet.
At a clean-up exercise at the Bomet Green Stadium, Laboso emphasized the importance of focusing on service delivery rather than indulging in luxurious lifestyles. She told her staff that she did not have time for luxury and that their energy should be channeled towards serving the locals.
Laboso's leadership style was a stark contrast to that of her predecessor, who was known to fly around the county on a chopper and attend up to 10 functions per day. Laboso vowed to adopt a different style of leadership, one that would minimize wastage and ensure that resources were directed towards development.
Laboso's decision to reject the special seat and the 'your excellency' title was seen as a bold move towards a more humble and people-centered leadership style. It marked a significant shift in the way she approached her role as governor and set a new tone for her administration.
