Wanga nominates ex-Star journalist Isaac Ongiri as Homa Bay CEC

Former Star journalist Isaac Victor Ongiri has been nominated as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Governance, Administration, Communication and Devolution in Homa Bay county.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga made the nomination as part of a broader restructuring of the county executive.

Ongiri, who hails from Kasipul Constituency, has been serving as Chief Officer, Governance, Administration and Devolution at Homa Bay county.

During his tenure, he has overseen key functions including accounting, enforcement, disaster management and partnerships.

Governor Wanga cited his strong background in governance and public service, as well as his communication expertise, as key strengths.

Ongiri previously served as a director in the county governments of Kisii and Makueni.

He holds a degree in Communications and Public Relations from Moi University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Nairobi.

The Governor praised him, saying he will be a good addition to the county Cabinet.

In the same changes, Governor Wanga nominated Danish Otieno to serve as Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, subject to approval by the County Assembly.

Otieno, who hails from Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, has been in public service since 2003 and rose to the position of Undersecretary in the State Department of Infrastructure.

He currently serves as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Roads and Public Works, a role he will continue to hold.

Under his leadership, the county has significantly expanded its road network, opening 736 kilometres of new roads in the 2024/25 financial year, maintaining 538 kilometres, and rehabilitating 116 kilometres of access roads linking key facilities such as schools, markets and health centres.

He also spearheaded major projects, including the Sh1.4 billion Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II), and played a central role in organising high-profile events such as the 2nd Homa Bay International Investment Conference in 2024, Madaraka Day celebrations, and the 9th Devolution Conference in 2025.

Otieno holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Political Science and Public Administration, as well as a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Governor Wanga also nominated Elijah Obiny Dede as CECM in charge of Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing and Co-operative Development.

Dede, from Ndhiwa Constituency, previously served as Chief Officer in the same department before moving to Roads and Public Works. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Bankers Sacco.

During his tenure in the co-operatives sector, 127 new co-operatives were registered while 10 dormant ones were revived.

Membership grew from 29,000 to 40,000, with asset expansion increasing from Sh200 million to Sh500 million.

He also led the enactment of the Co-operatives Policy, positioning the sector for further growth.

Dede holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Nairobi and an Executive Master of Business Administration.

Governor Wanga expressed confidence that his experience in co-operative management spanning over 16 years will strengthen the county’s trade and co-operatives portfolio.

Wanga further re-assigned Joash Aloo to serve as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development, moving from Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing and Co-operative Development and before that, Water and Sanitation.