Vihiga Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo signing Executive Order No. 1 of 2026 on governance reforms that reduce s staff establishment at the county headquarters in Mbale on Friday /IMAGE/HILTON OTENYOVihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has unveiled a new
organisational structure for the county government aimed at reducing the wage
bill and improving services.
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The reforms, contained in Executive Order No. 1 of 2026, seek to align county departments with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, eliminate duplication of functions, strengthen accountability and harmonise the county's governance structure with national standards.
The restructuring follows a review of the organisational framework introduced in 2022 in response to emerging policy priorities, growing fiscal pressures and increasing demand for efficient public services.
Under the new structure, the County Executive will operate through 10 departments, several of which have been renamed to reflect expanded mandates.
Transport and Infrastructure has been renamed Public Works, Roads and Transport.
Commerce, Tourism and Co-operatives becomes Trade, Industry, Co-operatives and Tourism.
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries changes to Agriculture, Livestock and Blue Economy, while Public Service and Administration will now incorporate Information Communication Technology.
The reforms also reduce the county's approved staff establishment from 6,324 positions to 4,415, excluding employees serving in municipalities and the Vihiga County Teaching and Referral Hospital. This represents a reduction of 1,909 positions.
"This reduction is a strong signal that the county is committed to fiscal discipline, efficient staffing and a sustainable wage bill," Ottichilo said.
He said vacant positions would be filled progressively over the next six years only after departments justify the need for recruitment and the County Treasury confirms the availability of funds.
"The review of the organisational structure and staff establishment was necessary, timely and strategic. It was undertaken to ensure that the county government remains fit for purpose, aligned with the constitution, guided by relevant laws and committed to the development aspirations contained in the County Integrated Development Plan," he said.
Ottichilo described the restructuring as a deliberate effort to build a leaner, better coordinated and more accountable public service capable of responding more effectively to residents' needs.
The reforms also provide for a comprehensive skills audit by the County Public Service Board to identify staff competencies, establish skills gaps and recommend retraining, redeployment, or other interventions where necessary.
Career guidelines will also be developed to provide clear job descriptions, qualifications and promotion pathways.
The governor assured county employees that the transition would be orderly and lawful, saying affected staff would be redeployed where their skills remain relevant before any external recruitment is undertaken.
