The County Assembly of Baringo

Happy 63rd Madaraka Day!

May your hearts be filled with peace, your home with happiness and your life with endless blessings. Eid Mubarak!!

Today, The County Assembly of Baringo Speaker Hon. Vincent Kemboi LLB, Speaker Baringo County Assembly. received Officers from the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) led by Vice-Chairperson Ms. Dorothy Jemator, who paid a courtesy call to the Assembly to evaluate the implementation and progress of the Access to Information framework within the Assembly.

The visit focused on strengthening transparency, accountability, and public participation by assessing how citizens can access vital public information under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program, which is being implemented in partnership with the National Treasury, in line with Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016.

The discussions also centered on enhancing record management systems, public communication channels and compliance mechanisms to ensure wananchi receive timely and accurate information from public institutions.

The engagement marks a significant step towards promoting open governance and reinforcing the public’s constitutional right to information, as the Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to transparency and service delivery for the people of Baringo County.

The County Assembly of Baringo Health Services Committee led by Chairperson Hon. Lemlem Nixon jointly with the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Public Accounts and Investments Committee (PAIC), held a consultative meeting with the County Department of Health Services led by Dr. Solomon Sirma, Lwala and representatives from the Council of Governors(CoG) to deliberate on the challenges facing the health sector in Baringo County and explore sustainable mitigation measures.

The meeting which brought together Assembly committees, the Department of Health, Lwala and development partners, aimed to:

1. Present evidence on the current health financing gaps and priority intervention areas.

2. Sensitize members of the Health Services and Budget Committees on the impact of underfunding key health programmes.

3. Promote dialogue between policymakers and health stakeholders on budget priorities.

4. Advocate for increased and equitable allocation of resources towards essential health services.

4. Identify actionable recommendations for improving sector budgeting and expenditure efficiency.

The meeting underscored the importance of accountability, sustainable financing and people-centered healthcare solutions.

"By prioritizing critical health needs and improving resource utilization, Baringo County will take bold steps toward a healthier future where every community can access affordable and quality medical care," said Hon. Lemlem

The consultative meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the County Assembly, the Department of Health Services, and key stakeholders in advancing healthcare delivery in Baringo County.

The Chairperson, Hon. Lemlem emphasized the need for unity, transparency and informed decision-making in addressing the challenges affecting the health sector, while re-affirming the shared commitment to improving service delivery and enhancing the well-being of residents across the county.

"Access to quality healthcare is not a priviledge but a right that every resident deserves. Through adequate budgeting, open dialogue, and strategic planning, we will ensure that hospitals, dispensaries, and health programmes across the county are adequately supported to deliver efficient and reliable services to the public," said Chairperson Budget and Appropriations Committee, Hon Ernest Kibet.

Pursuant to Article 195 (1) of the Constitution, the Health Services Committee led by the Chairperson Lemlem Nixon held a consultative meeting with the Department of Health Services led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Solomon Sirma at the County Assembly precincts.

The meeting was convened to strengthen oversight and accountability in the management of health services, particularly on matters relating to procurement, staffing, budgeting, and utilization of public resources within the health sector. The Committee sought to assess the department’s compliance with financial and administrative procedures, as well as to enhance transparency in service delivery across county health facilities.

In the discussion, the department was requested to supply:

1. Drug supply vouchers and contracts for the last two (2) financial years, including drug delivery notes and distribution lists for Financial Years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, as well as the approved program-based budget lines and vote heads.

2. A list of contract staff at BCRH for the last three (3) years, including salary payment statements and details of staff who have transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms. The Committee also requested clarification on whether those employed through the CPSB were newly recruited from the field or had been serving within the health facilities.

3. Copies of the intent-to-employ submissions shared with the CPSB for both the previous and the ongoing recruitment processes.

4. Program-based budgets for Financial Years 2023/2024, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026, including recurrent expenditure vote heads.

5. Vote heads and vouchers relating to the utilization of the 10% FIF remittances from all health facilities.

The meeting was also attended by the Budget and Appropriations Members led by the Chairperson Hon. Ernest Kibet.

The County Assembly of Baringo has in totality rejected the Report of the Appointment's Committee on the Governor's nominees to the Selection Panel.

On 9th February, 2026, the County Assembly received a nomination letter from the Governor, pursuant to Section 58A (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) of the County Government Act No. 17 of 2012. The letter contained the names of five nominees to be considered for approval by the County Assembly for appointment as members and the Chairperson of the Selection Panel.

1. Allan Kiplagat Mitei - Chairperson
2. Habiba Jebet Tomno - Private Sector (Member)
3. Luke Adoket Plapan - Advocate of the High Court (Member)
4. Enid Jepyegon Kipruto - Association Representing Workers (Member)
5. Kipkirui Kimosop - ICPAK (Member)

The Appointments Committee on 18th March 2026 held vetting exercise for the Selection Panel in line with Article 196 of the Constitution, and Section 7 of the Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approval Act, 2017).

The panel if approved would have been responsible for:

-Advertising County Public Service Board positions
-Shortlisting qualified candidates
-Conducting interviews
-Vetting candidates (academic, professional, integrity)
-Recommending nominees to the Governor
-Ensuring fairness, transparency and merit-based selection

The Assembly has adopted the Report of the Lands, Housing and Urban Development on the Draft Charters of Marigat, Mogotio and Eldama Ravine Municipalities.

"This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening urban governance, enhancing service delivery, and promoting sustainable development across the three municipalities. The adoption of these charters provides a structured framework for planning, infrastructure development, and improved management of urban areas", said the Chairperson, Hon. Purity Tallam.

Members of the Assembly emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, noting that the new municipal status will open up opportunities for investment, job creation, and better public services for residents.

The Chairperson further called upon residents, stakeholders, and development partners to actively engage in the implementation process, ensuring that the full benefits of municipal status are realized through transparency, accountability, and community participation.

Today, the Department of Water and Irrigation headed by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Arch. Reuben Rutto, appeared before the County Assembly in a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Kipruto Kimosop to address several concerns raised by Members.

The appearance followed an earlier response deemed unsatisfactory to a statement sought by Hon. Jacob Cheboiwo. During the session, the department was expected to respond to the following issues:

1. Delays in renewing contracts for temporary staff and the late payment of their wages.

2. The recruitment and dismissal of staff assigned to the Test Pumping Unit (TPU) and drilling rig, and their replacement with members of the senior management team.

3. Clarification regarding projects implemented in collaboration with Hope Water Africa.

4. A report on all boreholes drilled using the county rig and their current implementation status.

5. Projects that have experienced prolonged delays before commencement.

6. Changes made to borehole locations without prior consultation.

However, the Chief Officer for the Department Dr. Winnie Bore did not appear before the Assembly, citing health reasons. In his ruling, and following agreement among Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) that the Chief Officer’s presence was necessary, the Deputy Speaker excused the department.

The Assembly will determine a later date for the Chief Officer and the entire department to appear and respond to the concerns.