By Reporter
The chief of staff of the county government of Kakamega Mr. Ken Echesa has resigned.
In his resignation letter to the Governor, Ferdinard Barasa cited various reasons ranging from collapsing health systems to education issues.
He wrote ” After days of consultations and based on a forty-day experience, I have resigned from the office of the Chief of Staff of Kakamega County.
I tendered my resignation to the Governor this morning and wished him well.
In my communication to the Governor, I have brought to his attention the worsening situation in our medical facilities – to imagine that our health sector is working is to live a lie.
I personally believe the Chief Officer of Health is painting a picture of a working system when the department is no longer a going concern.
Secondly, I have asked him to reform the Finance department and ensure contractors who have rendered their services in good faith are paid.
The staff who have their pending requests too ought to be paid. ECDE teachers who retired ought to be paid their dues.
The Sacco deductions as well as tax deductions should be remitted as provided by law.
I believe the Chief Officer of Finance should be called to order on this or else the system shall sink deeper.
Lastly, I have asked him to disregard the advice he continues to receive from a few people around him and reconnect with the common man.
Brethren this is advice you can only render when you are out of a system.
As an Advocate, I believe I owe a moral duty to society and refuse to be drawn into political hero-worshipping of a system I believe is not on the right track. When I took over the role, I believed then that I would be of use to His Excellency.
I am unable to go past the Berlin wall created by the inefficient forces I have mentioned and offer constructive advice to the Governor.
As a gentleman, I have directed that my December 2024 may be forfeited in lieu of notice and my January pay is used to buy BCG vaccines which though crucial have been unavailable at Kakamega County referral hospital.
Many thanks to those who wished me well for the period I served.
I will be back to class to teach law as well as private practice as was doing prior to this appointment.”
