Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, on Tuesday, caused an uproar on social media after he sent home 143 revenue staff on forced leave.
Kenyans who are now questioning the Council of Governors Chairman’s move condemned it citing unfairness to the workers who will now have to stay for 60 days out of office.
During the 60 days, Oparanya further announced that he had deployed county executives and chief officers to take charge of the revenue collection which has currently dropped to 580 million.
“Today I have effected changes in the County revenue collection management structures; immediately sending all revenue collection clerks on 60 days compulsory leave. To enhance own source revenue I’ve deployed CECs, Chief Officers and Administrators to take charge of the collection“, Oparanya announced.
Today I have effected changes in the County revenue collection management structures; immediately sending all revenue collection clerks on 60 days compulsory leave. To enhance own source revenue I've deployed CECs, Chief Officers and Administrators to take charge of collection. pic.twitter.com/en3HNwt0ih
— Wycliffe A. Oparanya (@GovWOparanya) August 6, 2019
Oparanya’s move has come just after he had a tiff with county officials concerning their salaries where he claimed that the Division of Revenue Bill 2019 stalemate had pushed county governments to the edge. He said it made it difficult for governors to pay workers on time.
Here are various reactions from Kenyans;
Why do they make it look as if it’s too difficult to pay county staffs with the allowed 50% of county’s allotment? Management of counties shouldn’t be left to pedestrians.
— NJUGUSH (@martosparta) August 6, 2019
Painful to work as a county employee. Condemned without being heard. Bwana government, some could be innocent.
— Okore George (@Georgito_Okore) August 6, 2019
To increase revenue collection the county government for diversity its revenue sources from traditional duka and market collections by empowering the county community to engage in cooperative small holder’s commercial farming this can pull-in over 90% of the county population.
— Mukhala (@LMukhala) August 6, 2019
Your Excellency I think you are misinformed somewhere.Aend a thief to catch a thief.Those revenue clerks are your foot soldiers, they should be your best informers.If you have sent them home be ready for the worst.They will build NEGATIVE ENERGY and frustrate CECs….
— enock (@Enock_Kerama) August 6, 2019
I hope CECs, Chief Officers and Administrators are not corrupt. You might even end up getting less revenue.
— Evans Nyangano (@EvansNyangano) August 6, 2019
#devolvedgreed crippling Kakamega
— Being Charlie 🇰🇪 (@BeingCharlie) August 6, 2019