Former ICT Principal Secretary Mr. Jerome Okoth Ochieng’ officially joined the Kisumu County Executive Committee today after he was sworn in as the CECM Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development.
Mr. Ochieng’, an ICT guru, took the oath of office at the Kisumu City hall – the County’s seat of power – in a brief but colourful ceremony presided over by Kisumu Chief Magistrate Dickson Odhiambo Onyango and witnessed by the Governor, Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, his deputy, Dr. Mathew Owili, the County Secretary, Hesbon Hongo, City Manager Abala Wanga and several County officials.
Dressed in a light blue suit, Mr. Ochieng’ arrived at the City Hall boardroom at 4.15 Pm escorted by Dr Owili and Mr. Hongo.
At 4.20 PM, a smiling Mr. Ochieng’ strode into the podium to take his Oath of office. He later shook hands with Prof Nyong’o who signed his appointment letter as the hall burst into cheers.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ochieng- an expert in the Integrated Finance Management Information system (IFMIS) promised to serve the people of Kisumu diligently and professionally.
“I want to thank His Excellency the Governor for granting me this opportunity. Today is a very important day in my career. I commit to serving the people of Kisumu with all my ability and available resources,” said Mr. Ochieng’.
In his Congratulatory speech to the new CECM, Prof Nyong’o said he had appointed him to the post because he believed he was equal to the task.
Said the Governor: “I have known Jerome for a long time. I have no doubt in my mind that he is the right person for this job.”
The Governor nominated Mr. Ochieng’ for the job on April 30 this year and forwarded his name to the County Assembly for vetting, following a reshuffle in his Cabinet. The Assembly later vetted and gave him a clean bill of health.
Dr. Owili advised Mr. Ochieng’ to acquaint himself with the Governor’s manifestos to enable him to prioritize his Department’s budgetary allocations.
The new CECM is expected to assume his office today.
