This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has made significant changes in the county's education department, sacking County Education Executive Obiero Ogone and sending several senior staff on compulsory leave. The changes were announced in a press release on May 5, 2020, with Governor Nyong'o terming them normal administrative matters meant to improve performance and service delivery.
However, sources close to the matter have suggested that the changes could be linked to the handling of the county's Sh205 million bursary kitty. The governor was reportedly unhappy with the delay in disbursing the bursaries to over 300 shortlisted beneficiaries.
Obiero Ogone, who was sacked, expressed surprise at the sudden decision, stating that he had not received any prior warning. "I was remaining with two guests when a chief officer came to me with a screenshot message doing rounds in WhatsApp groups that I had been sacked," he said. "I saw the press statement signed by the governor and I knew my time was up. I excused myself and left in a huff."
Others who have been sent on compulsory leave include Chief Officer for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Haggai Kadiri; Acting Chief Officer for Education, ICT and Capacity Development Rosemary Otieno; and Acting Director for Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities George Orude. The decision to send them on compulsory leave was informed by County Secretary Geoffrey Kigochi, who serves as the governor's administration technical advisor.
Mr. Nyong'o has nominated former Kenya Secondary School Heads Association National chairman John Awiti as the new Education executive, who will now have to wait for the County Assembly to vet him for the job and approve his nomination.
