Vihiga County, situated in the western region of Kenya, is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich agricultural activities, and growing focus on education and environmental conservation. The county’s administration is led by Governor Wilber K. Ottichilo, who has been in office since 2022. Governor Ottichilo’s leadership is complemented by a team of County Executive Committee (CEC) members responsible for managing various sectors within the county.
List of Vihiga County Government Ministers (CECs)
The county government of Vihiga is structured into 10 key ministries, each led by a CEC. These officials play an essential role in the county’s administration, policy formulation, and implementation of various development projects. Here is a list of the current CECs and their respective ministries:
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| 1. Finance and Economic Planning | Dr. Jairus Boston Amayi |
| 2. Public Service and Administration | Prof. Mike Amuhaya Iravo |
| 3. Physical Planning, Lands, and Housing | Julius Maruja Kiboen |
| 4. Commerce, Tourism, and Cooperatives | Grace Kanguha |
| 5. Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives | Nicholas Kitungulu Ligayo |
| 6. Environment, Water, Energy, and Natural Resources | Anne Desma Chilande |
| 7. Health Services | Dr. Nicholas Kadaga Mwandihi |
| 8. Youth, Gender, Sports, Culture, and Social Services | Meshack Onzere Mulongo |
| 9. Education, Science, and Technical Vocational Training | Dr. Ruth M’mbwaya Agesa |
| 10. Transport and Infrastructure | Joseph Lunani Karungani |
Overview of the Ministries and Their Responsibilities
- Finance and Economic Planning (Dr. Jairus Boston Amayi)
- This ministry, led by Dr. Jairus Amayi, is responsible for managing Vihiga’s financial resources. It ensures efficient budgetary allocation, revenue collection, and economic planning to support the county’s development goals. The ministry also focuses on promoting fiscal discipline and transparency.
- Public Service and Administration (Prof. Mike Amuhaya Iravo)
- Prof. Mike Iravo oversees the administration of public services and ensures effective delivery of services to the citizens of Vihiga. This ministry plays a critical role in maintaining smooth operations within the county government.
- Physical Planning, Lands, and Housing (Julius Maruja Kiboen)
- Under the leadership of Julius Maruja Kiboen, this ministry manages land use, housing projects, and urban planning. It focuses on sustainable development practices and aims to improve access to housing and properly planned urban spaces in Vihiga.
- Commerce, Tourism, and Cooperatives (Grace Kanguha)
- Grace Kanguha leads initiatives to boost trade, tourism, and cooperative movements in Vihiga County. This ministry is crucial in promoting the county’s rich cultural heritage, developing local businesses, and supporting cooperative societies to enhance economic growth.
- Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives (Nicholas Kitungulu Ligayo)
- As agriculture is a key economic pillar for Vihiga, Nicholas Ligayo focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, improving livestock farming, and promoting fish farming. The ministry works closely with farmers to implement modern farming techniques and supports cooperative societies to enhance their market reach.
- Environment, Water, Energy, and Natural Resources (Anne Desma Chilande)
- Anne Desma Chilande’s ministry is responsible for managing the county’s natural resources, including water and energy. It focuses on environmental conservation, sustainable use of resources, and improving access to clean water. The ministry also addresses climate change challenges affecting Vihiga.
- Health Services (Dr. Nicholas Kadaga Mwandihi)
- Dr. Nicholas Mwandihi leads the Health Services ministry, focusing on improving healthcare delivery in Vihiga. This ministry works to enhance healthcare facilities, expand public health programs, and ensure residents have access to quality medical services.
- Youth, Gender, Sports, Culture, and Social Services (Meshack Onzere Mulongo)
- Meshack Mulongo’s ministry focuses on empowering the youth, promoting gender equality, and preserving cultural heritage. It also supports social services aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable groups in the community, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.
- Education, Science, and Technical Vocational Training (Dr. Ruth M’mbwaya Agesa)
- Led by Dr. Ruth Agesa, this ministry is committed to improving education standards and expanding access to vocational training. It aims to equip young people with the skills needed for the modern job market and supports initiatives to improve science and technology education in Vihiga.
- Transport and Infrastructure (Joseph Lunani Karungani)
- Joseph Lunani Karungani’s ministry is focused on improving the county’s transport network, including road infrastructure and public transport systems. The ministry aims to enhance connectivity within the county, which is essential for facilitating trade and access to services.
County Ministers (CECs) Salaries in Kenya
County Executive Committee members (CECs) in Kenya, including those in Vihiga, are remunerated based on guidelines from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The salary package is designed to attract and retain qualified professionals for county leadership. Below is a breakdown of the CECs’ monthly earnings:
- Basic Salary: Ksh 242,550
- House Allowance: Ksh 45,000
- Market Adjustment: Ksh 81,700
- Total Salary Per Month: Ksh 404,250
This salary structure ensures that CECs are compensated fairly, enabling them to focus on delivering quality services and driving development initiatives within their respective ministries.
Key Focus Areas for Development in Vihiga County
Under Governor Wilber Ottichilo’s leadership, the county government has outlined several priority areas for development. These include enhancing agricultural productivity, improving healthcare services, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing climate change challenges.
- Agricultural Development: Agriculture remains a major economic driver in Vihiga County, with a focus on crop production, livestock rearing, and fish farming. The Agriculture ministry is working to improve farming techniques, provide training for farmers, and support cooperative societies to ensure better market access for agricultural products.
- Healthcare Improvements: The Health Services ministry has prioritized expanding healthcare facilities and ensuring that every resident has access to quality healthcare. Recent efforts include the establishment of more health centers and programs aimed at tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Enhancing the county’s road network is crucial for facilitating trade and movement of goods and services. The Transport and Infrastructure ministry is working on road construction projects to improve connectivity, which will help stimulate economic growth.
The CECs in Vihiga County, led by Governor Wilber Ottichilo, play an instrumental role in steering the county towards sustainable development. Their leadership in various sectors is helping to address local challenges, enhance service delivery, and create opportunities for residents. With a focus on agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Vihiga is positioned for growth and prosperity, aiming to provide a better quality of life for its people.
The strategic planning and commitment of the county government to these development goals are expected to make Vihiga a model of progress in Kenya’s western region. As the CECs continue to implement their respective mandates, the county remains on course to achieving its vision of a prosperous and thriving community.
