Governor Fires 3 Ministers After Stealing School's Iron Sheets

Nandi County Governor, Stephen Sang on Tuesday, September 17, replaced three of his ministers, following the conclusion of investigations into corruption allegations.

"I have today accepted the resignation of County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Transport and Infrastructure, Hillary Koech, Lands, Environment and Natural Resources CEC, Stanley Ballach and dismissed CEC Member for Education and Vocational Training, Valentine Chumo," read an excerpt of the governor's statement.

Back on May 6, 2019, the four government officials from Nandi were arrested after being found in possession of construction materials worth millions of shillings.

Pieces of iron sheet, tonnes of cement and nails meant for the construction of 60 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres were discovered stashed away at some of their houses.

Former Nandi County CEC Member for Education and Vocational Training Valentine Chumo at a past event. She was dismissed following investigations into abuse of office

Daniel Kibet Sang was reinstated to the position of Chief Officer in charge of Education and Vocational Training after he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigating officers. 

"We initiated investigations into the alleged losses within the Department of Education and that of Transport and Infrastructure in order to audit the system's efficiency among others," read a section of Governor Sang's press statement.

He also made sweeping changes in the general structure of his ministries, in a bid to avoid future instances of abuse of office.

The Department of Lands has been divided into two (Lands, Environment & Natural Resources and Water & Sanitation), both of which will have their own Chief Officers.

A similar structure was also implemented in the departments of Administration, Public Service and E-government, whereby the Administration and Public Service wing will have its own boss, while a new division dubbed ICT and E-government will also have an independent chief officer.

The Nandi Governor also reshuffled several members of his cabinet: Solomon Mang'ira was moved to the Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, Sally Kembou to Water and Sanitation, Philip Towett to Administration and Public Service, Paul Lagat to the Health Docket and Scolastica Tuwei to the Social Welfare ministry.

According to a member of the county government who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on condition of anonymity, the major reshuffle was intended to flush out any culprits who may have escaped initial investigations.

Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang at a past hearing The governor announced major changes to his county government on Tuesday, September 17, 2019
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