Tana River County, located in the coastal region of Kenya, is a county known for its diverse culture, rich history, and vast natural resources. The county is led by Governor Dhadho Godhana, who is at the forefront of promoting development and improving service delivery to residents. The Tana River County Government operates under the devolved governance structure, with various County Executive Committee (CEC) members in charge of key sectors that drive the county’s economy and public services.
Tana River County Government Ministers (CECs)
Tana River County has appointed a dedicated team of ministers responsible for managing the county’s essential services and development programs. Below is a list of the current Tana River County Government Ministers (CECs):
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| 1. Public Service Management, Administration & ICT | – |
| 2. Finance and Economic Planning | Mathew Babwoya Buya |
| 3. Health, Sanitation & Medical Services | Javan Bonaya |
| 4. Education, Youth, Sports, Gender & Social Services | Abbas Kunyo |
| 5. Trade, Co-operative Development, Tourism and Industrialization | Mahadh Ali Loka |
| 6. Lands, Physical Planning, Agriculture, Co-operative Development, Fisheries, Livestock, and Veterinary Services | Phares Buya |
| 7. Water, Energy and Climate Change | Yahya Barrow |
| 8. Roads, Public Works, Housing and Urbanization | – |
These CECs play a critical role in the county’s development agenda, focusing on improving infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and delivering essential services in health, education, agriculture, and more. Each CEC is tasked with implementing strategic plans that align with the county’s development goals while addressing the specific needs of Tana River’s residents.
Key Ministries and Their Impact
Finance and Economic Planning:
Led by Mathew Babwoya Buya, this department is responsible for managing the county’s financial resources, budgeting, and economic development initiatives. The ministry ensures proper allocation and utilization of public funds to promote sustainable development in the county.
Health, Sanitation & Medical Services:
Javan Bonaya heads the health docket, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. The ministry’s focus includes improving health infrastructure, addressing sanitation issues, and managing the delivery of medical services across the county’s health facilities.
Education, Youth, Sports, Gender & Social Services:
Abbas Kunyo leads efforts to enhance education and social welfare in the county. His ministry plays a significant role in advancing youth empowerment, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to quality education, including vocational training and sports development.
Water, Energy, and Climate Change:
Yahya Barrow is tasked with managing one of the most critical sectors in Tana River County—water. Given the semi-arid nature of the county, his ministry focuses on improving water access, managing natural resources, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change through innovative energy solutions.
Trade, Co-operative Development, Tourism, and Industrialization:
Mahadh Ali Loka is at the helm of promoting trade and tourism in Tana River. His ministry is focused on supporting local businesses through cooperative development, boosting the tourism sector, and encouraging industrial growth to create jobs and foster economic development.
Lands, Physical Planning, Agriculture, Co-operative Development, Fisheries, Livestock, and Veterinary Services:
Phares Buya leads this diverse and critical ministry. Agriculture, being the backbone of Tana River County’s economy, falls under his oversight. His ministry works to improve food security through modern farming techniques, enhance livestock production, and support fisheries to boost local livelihoods.
CEC Salaries in Kenya
As in other counties across Kenya, Tana River County Executive Committee (CEC) members receive competitive salaries as part of the government’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals for these critical roles. According to a recent gazette notice by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), a CEC in Kenya earns Ksh 404,250 per month. This package includes the following:
| Salary Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 242,550 |
| House Allowance | 45,000 |
| Market Adjustment | 81,700 |
| Total Salary Per Month | 404,250 |
This salary package, while competitive, is accompanied by the responsibility of ensuring that county residents receive efficient and impactful public services.
Role of Tana River County Government in Development
Tana River County Government, under the leadership of Governor Dhadho Godhana and the dedicated team of CECs, is focused on fostering sustainable development. Key areas of focus include:
- Infrastructure Development: Ensuring that roads and public works are developed to facilitate trade and access to essential services in rural and urban areas.
- Healthcare: Improving the county’s healthcare system by building health facilities, ensuring drug availability, and enhancing medical services.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Enhancing agricultural productivity through modern farming techniques, supporting livestock and fisheries, and ensuring that food security is prioritized.
- Education and Youth Empowerment: Focusing on educational programs that equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in the modern job market, while also promoting youth involvement in sports and vocational training.
- Climate Change and Water Resource Management: Addressing climate change impacts through sustainable water and energy programs, and ensuring that residents have access to clean water.
Tana River County’s leadership is committed to fostering inclusive development through strategic planning and effective governance. With the CECs playing an essential role in various sectors, the county government is making strides in improving the quality of life for its residents. As devolution continues to shape Kenya’s counties, Tana River stands out for its focus on long-term sustainability and the well-being of its people.
