Kakamega County, located in the western region of Kenya, is known for its rich agricultural heritage, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes, including the famous Kakamega Forest. Governed by Governor Fernandes Barasa since the 2022 general elections, the county’s administration focuses on improving social services, boosting economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development.
A critical part of this administration is the County Executive Committee (CEC) members who manage different sectors within the county. These officials help formulate policies, oversee sectoral management, and ensure that government initiatives meet the needs of Kakamega’s residents.
List of Kakamega County Government Ministers (CECs)
The structure of Kakamega County Government comprises 10 key ministries, each headed by a CEC. Here is a detailed list of the CECs and their respective ministries:
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| 1. Finance & Economic Planning | Livingstone L. Imabayi |
| 2. Roads, Energy, and Public Works | Patrick Wesonga Kundu |
| 3. ICT, e-Government & Communication | Rachel Carol Atamba |
| 4. Social Services, Youth, Sports & Culture | Morphat Mandela |
| 5. Public Service and Administration | Lawrence Ingolo Omuhaka |
| 6. Land, Housing, Urban Areas, & Physical Planning | Peninah Mukabane |
| 7. Agriculture, Irrigation, Cooperative, Livestock, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries | Benjamin Andama |
| 8. Health Services | Dr. Benard Wesonga |
| 9. Education Science & Technology | Godfrey Owori |
| 10. Water, Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change | Dr. Mariam B. O. Barasa |
Overview of the Ministries and Their Responsibilities
- Finance & Economic Planning (Livingstone L. Imabayi)
- Livingstone Imabayi oversees the county’s budgeting, revenue collection, and economic planning. This ministry is key to Kakamega’s financial stability, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently to support county programs and development projects.
- Roads, Energy, and Public Works (Patrick Wesonga Kundu)
- Patrick Wesonga Kundu leads efforts to enhance the county’s infrastructure, including roads and energy supply. The ministry plays a critical role in improving transport networks and public amenities to boost economic activities in Kakamega.
- ICT, e-Government & Communication (Rachel Carol Atamba)
- Rachel Carol Atamba heads initiatives aimed at digitizing government services and improving communication within the county. This ministry focuses on leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and transparency in Kakamega.
- Social Services, Youth, Sports & Culture (Morphat Mandela)
- Morphat Mandela’s ministry supports youth empowerment, promotes cultural heritage, and enhances social services. The ministry also fosters sports activities, contributing to the well-being and development of the youth in Kakamega.
- Public Service and Administration (Lawrence Ingolo Omuhaka)
- Lawrence Ingolo Omuhaka manages the public service workforce, ensuring efficient service delivery and administration in the county. The ministry’s focus is on improving the effectiveness of government operations.
- Land, Housing, Urban Areas, & Physical Planning (Peninah Mukabane)
- Peninah Mukabane is responsible for land management, urban development, and housing projects. This ministry plays a crucial role in planning the county’s growth and ensuring sustainable land use practices.
- Agriculture, Irrigation, Cooperative, Livestock, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries (Benjamin Andama)
- Benjamin Andama oversees the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Kakamega’s economy. The ministry focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting cooperatives, and supporting livestock and fisheries development.
- Health Services (Dr. Benard Wesonga)
- Dr. Benard Wesonga leads efforts to improve healthcare access and services across Kakamega County. The ministry is dedicated to strengthening health facilities, expanding public health programs, and ensuring better healthcare outcomes for residents.
- Education Science & Technology (Godfrey Owori)
- Godfrey Owori is in charge of the education sector, focusing on improving educational facilities and vocational training. The ministry also aims to enhance science and technology programs to prepare students for the job market.
- Water, Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change (Dr. Mariam B. O. Barasa)
- Dr. Mariam Barasa’s ministry is responsible for water supply management, environmental conservation, and addressing climate change challenges. The ministry is critical to ensuring sustainable resource use and adapting to environmental changes.
County Ministers (CECs) Salaries in Kenya
Kakamega’s County Executive Committee members (CECs), like their peers across other counties in Kenya, are compensated as per guidelines from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Below is a breakdown of the CECs’ monthly remuneration:
- Basic Salary: Ksh 242,550
- House Allowance: Ksh 45,000
- Market Adjustment: Ksh 81,700
- Total Salary Per Month: Ksh 404,250
This salary package is intended to attract qualified professionals to manage county functions effectively and help deliver on development goals.
Role of CECs in Kakamega’s Development
The CECs in Kakamega County play a vital role in shaping the county’s socio-economic landscape. They work alongside Governor Fernandes Barasa to implement policies that foster growth, ensure accountability, and enhance the delivery of public services. Their duties are aligned with the county’s strategic priorities, such as improving healthcare, boosting agricultural output, and creating job opportunities for the youth.
Focus on Agriculture and Infrastructure
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kakamega’s economy, with the county known for sugarcane, maize, and dairy farming. The Agriculture ministry, led by Benjamin Andama, is working to modernize farming techniques, improve irrigation infrastructure, and support cooperatives to increase yields and incomes for local farmers.
The Roads, Energy, and Public Works ministry is another focal point for the county, as improving road networks is key to facilitating trade and movement of goods. Better infrastructure is expected to attract investment and support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kakamega.
Under the leadership of Governor Fernandes Barasa and the capable guidance of its CECs, Kakamega County is on a trajectory of growth and development. Each CEC contributes to this vision by managing their respective sectors effectively, from enhancing education and healthcare services to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The strategic management of resources and prioritization of projects by the CECs are set to drive Kakamega towards improved living standards, economic stability, and sustainable development, positioning the county as a regional leader in Western Kenya.
