Kisumu County Government has appointed a new County Secretary, Hesbon Hongo, to replace former officeholder John Auma, who was dismissed in May last year. Hongo, previously the Secretary of the Public Service Board (PSB), was sworn in on Friday, November 8, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Governor Anyang Nyong’o at Kisumu City Hall.
In his inaugural address, Hongo pledged to uphold the Constitution and work diligently for Kisumu residents. Acknowledging his past public service roles, Hongo emphasized his commitment to addressing pressing issues, including the county’s rising wage bill and accumulating pending bills.
“I am here to help the Governor tackle these challenges,” he remarked, hinting at a directive to the PSB on wage management without disclosing specifics.
Governor Nyong’o expressed confidence in Hongo’s capabilities, calling on county employees to prioritize public service. Reflecting on Kenya’s history of public service, Nyong’o criticized a culture of self-interest among civil servants, urging a shift toward service-oriented governance.
Kenya would not have achieved the second liberation if everyone worked only for their own gain,” he said.
Hongo, whose background spans several decades in the finance sector, expressed gratitude to the Governor for entrusting him with this pivotal role, pledging not to disappoint.
With only three years left in his term, Nyong’o emphasized the importance of serving the people above personal interests.
