By Alex Njeru
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced a major reorganization of his county executive and chief officers in a move aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
In the changes made yesterday, Ms. Kelly Karimi Rwigi, who previously served as Chief Officer for Gender and Children, has been elevated to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender and Social Services.
Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael has been moved from the Department of Revenue and Resource Mobilisation, Cooperative Development, Trade and Investment Promotion, Mining, Energy and Industry to the Department of Roads, Transport, Infrastructure, Public Works, Housing, Urban Development and ICT. He switches roles with Mr. Giti Kijiru, who will now head the revenue docket.
Several executives retained their current positions. Ms. Moreen Nyambura will continue as CECM for Youth, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Lawrence Ireri remains at Finance and Economic Planning, while Ms. Dorothy Naivasha stays at Education, Vocational Training and Culture.
Dr. Gichuyia Nthuraku will continue overseeing Public Health and Medical Services, Mr. Muthini Karangi remains at Administration, Intergovernmental Coordination and Devolution Affairs, and Mr. Njagi Njue will continue heading Agriculture, Crop Production, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Fisheries and Ecosystem Development, Environment, Climate Change, Mining, Energy and Industry.
The governor also announced the appointment of new chief officers. Mr. Alex Kinyua has been named Chief Officer for Youth, Sports and Tourism, while Ms. Winnie Mukiri will serve in Gender and Social Services. Ms. Rose Micheni has been transferred from Public Health to Medical Services, replacing Mr. Karani Riungu, who moves to Revenue and Resource Mobilisation.
Public Health will now be headed by Mr. Benson Kimathi Njeru, who shifts from the Trade, Investment Promotion and Cooperative Development department, now assigned to Mr. Mugambi Kigwari from Revenue and Resource Mobilisation.
Mr. Gikundi Kiruya takes over as Chief Officer for Public Administration, Intergovernmental Coordination and Devolution Affairs. Mr. Mbae Karuku retains his Lands and Physical Planning docket.
Ms. Irene Nkirote moves to Energy and Industry, while Mr. Peter Kimathi Njeru remains in Agriculture, Crop Production, Livestock and Veterinary Services. Fisheries has been assigned to Mr. Gibson Gikundi, Environment and Climate Change to Mr. Peterson Kathenya, and Water and Irrigation remains with Ms. Loise Wanja.
Governor Njuki said the reshuffle was necessary to strengthen service delivery and ensure county departments operate more effectively. He directed all officers affected by the changes to hand over their duties by Friday this week.
“I want to assure the people of Tharaka-Nithi that I will continue to serve diligently until I hand over the instruments of power to the next governor,” Njuki said.
The latest reshuffle comes just a week after the governor made significant changes in the administration and health departments.
The Mount Kenya Times 
Felix Njenga