By Alex Wekesa | Bungoma
BUNGOMA, Kenya (IP)
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and improved service delivery after presiding over the signing of performance contracts for the 2025–2026 financial year.
The event, held at the Bungoma County Headquarters, brought together County Executive Committee Members (CECs), Chief Officers and Directors in a ceremony underscoring the county’s renewed focus on results-based management.
Governor Lusaka led the County Executive in signing the contracts, describing the exercise as a turning point in the county’s management approach and a major step toward performance-based governance.
“Performance contracting is not a ritual; it is a results-oriented management tool designed to enhance efficiency, accountability and service delivery,” Lusaka said.
“Every officer must take these contracts seriously because they are a solemn pledge to the people of Bungoma. The citizens deserve value for every coin spent, and it is our duty to deliver.”
He emphasized that the contracts are not symbolic but binding commitments to measurable results.
According to Lusaka, each department will now be evaluated based on clearly defined targets aligned with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
Lusaka warned that his administration would no longer tolerate complacency, noting that performance evaluations would directly influence promotions, career progression and departmental funding.
“We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results,” he said. “From now on, promotions and career growth will be tied to measurable performance, not personal connections.”
The governor explained that the framework will help his administration track progress across sectors—including health, education, infrastructure and agriculture—while identifying high-performing departments and areas needing improvement.
“Performance contracting strengthens the culture of responsibility. It shifts focus from activities to outcomes, from processes to impact,” he added.
Lusaka urged county officers to uphold professionalism, transparency and teamwork, stressing that accountability must define public service in Bungoma.
He pledged continued investment in capacity building and performance monitoring systems to ensure officers have the skills and motivation to deliver quality services.
“We want to create a results-driven culture where every officer knows what is expected of them,” Lusaka said. “Our people deserve better services—from clean water and quality healthcare to improved roads and education facilities.”
County Secretary William Nasong’o called on officers to embrace teamwork, saying the success of performance contracts depends on collective effort rather than individual performance.
“This framework will only succeed if we work as a team,” Nasong’o said. “Each officer must understand that their performance affects the entire county’s image. We are all accountable to the public.”
He disclosed that the county is considering making departmental performance results public as part of efforts to increase transparency and public trust.
“We are moving toward an era where performance results will be made public,” he said. “Our citizens must see how we are utilizing resources and the results of our work.”
Nasong’o reminded officers that public service is about integrity and dedication to duty, not personal gain.
“We must uphold ethical standards and professionalism if we are to earn the trust of our people. Bungoma County must stand out as an example of good governance and effective service delivery,” he added.
County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma lauded Lusaka’s leadership in promoting accountability and professionalism within the county government.
“Departmental heads must not only sign contracts but also set realistic targets that can be tracked and evaluated,” Situma said. “Without clear objectives, it becomes difficult to assess progress. Let us commit to timelines and measurable results so citizens can feel the impact of county programs.”
Situma assured that the County Assembly will continue to play its oversight role objectively, ensuring that allocated resources are utilized effectively and in line with development priorities.
“Oversight is not about confrontation; it is about ensuring that development reaches the grassroots and that every shilling benefits our people,” he said.
He also urged public servants to align their departmental goals with the governor’s development blueprint, emphasizing that unity between the Executive and the Assembly is vital for Bungoma’s transformation agenda.
The performance contracting exercise is part of a broader set of governance reforms initiated by Governor Lusaka to enhance efficiency, accountability and citizen participation in county affairs.
Residents led by Philip Wanyonyi Wekesa expressed optimism that the new system will improve efficiency in public service delivery and curb misuse of resources.
Civil society groups, led by Albert Wekesa Lumumba and Juma Sikuta, also praised the initiative, saying it will strengthen transparency and public participation in governance.
