A delayed release of funds has crippled services in West Pokot County, development projects have stalled and workers haven’t been paid their salaries. West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has protested the delay of disbursement of funds, saying it has crippled services and programmes in the County.
He said the delay had greatly affected operations, with health, education bursaries, disaster management and public works, County public service and procurement being the most affected.
“We are not doing anything on the ground yet KRA is operating. We cannot buy drugs or pay for operations in our hospitals, and we are worried that our employees might down tools due to the delay to pay their salaries,” said Lonyangapuo.
The Governor further blamed the national government for the delayed disbursement of funds, “We haven’t received funds for the last three months and that has made us unable to implement most our projects,” he said. He said development projects and payments to suppliers and contractors in the County may be put on hold due to a financial crisis. He also warned national government officials in the County not to misuse County resources.
Speaking during a meeting with County staff in Kapenguria, Governor Lonyangapuo cited that the repeat election should not affect activities in Counties. “Presidential elections and politics should not affect working in the Counties,” he said.
The Governor urged NASA and Jubilee politicians do away with the political rhetoric in the County. He faulted the opposition for orchestrating demonstrations instead of campaigning.
Lonyangapuo issued a stern warning to County workers over engaging in corruption, laxity, absenteeism and urged them to style up and follow the code of conduct.
“Politics is over and we need to work,” he said,”Everyone must be well and officially dressed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and we shall supply 5000 copies of the code of conduct to workers.”