Four newly appointed members of the West Pokot County Public Service Board were sworn into office on Monday, signaling the commencement of their six-year non-renewable term to oversee recruitment, promotions, discipline, and human resource management in the county. The board, chaired by veteran civil servant James Akudian, includes James Loyatem, Emily Chepoghisyo, and David Yator Kiptum. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Governor Simon Kachapin’s official residence in Kapenguria, was officiated by Kapenguria Principal Magistrate Stellah Telewa, as outlined in a county appointments notice published prior to the event.
Governor Kachapin emphasized the board’s statutory mandate during his address, urging the members to prioritize legal compliance, merit, and fairness in all decisions. “Your decisions on recruitment, appointments, promotions, discipline, and human resource management must be guided by the law, merit, and fairness,” he stated, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity in public service. He also stressed the importance of reflecting the county’s diversity while upholding competence and legal requirements in staffing processes.
Akudian, bringing nearly three decades of public sector experience, outlined his immediate priorities, including restoring employee confidence and improving welfare. His focus for the board’s first 100 days includes engaging departments to identify service delivery challenges and developing solutions, with particular attention to employee morale, performance, and working conditions. He also pledged to safeguard the board’s independence from political interference, vowing to engage political leaders to ensure the institution operates autonomously.
Deputy Governor Robert Komolle criticized attempts by some opposition leaders to use legal avenues to disrupt the board’s appointment, urging political goodwill to prioritize development over partisan interests. He called on aspiring candidates at all levels to serve residents objectively, free from favoritism. Other attendees at the ceremony commended the county administration for completing the appointment process, expressing optimism about the board’s potential to enhance efficiency and professionalism in public service.
The board’s role extends to shaping the county’s human resource framework, impacting thousands of employees and the delivery of essential services. Governor Kachapin reiterated the importance of treating every applicant and employee with dignity and fairness, emphasizing that the board’s decisions directly affect residents’ livelihoods. “Uphold the law. Protect the integrity of the institution. And always place the public interest above personal considerations,” he urged.
The new members are expected to collaborate with the County Executive, County Assembly, and other stakeholders while maintaining their statutory independence. The ceremony marked not only the assumption of office by the four officials but also the beginning of a new phase in managing the county’s workforce. As Kachapin noted, every administrative decision represents the interests of West Pokot residents, underscoring the board’s critical role in shaping the county’s future.
The swearing-in follows broader efforts to address staffing gaps and improve public service quality in West Pokot. With the board now operational, its effectiveness will be closely watched as it navigates the challenges of ensuring equitable opportunities, professional ethics, and efficient resource management in a region where public trust in governance remains a key concern.