Siaya County Governor James Orengo has moved swiftly to strengthen the county’s leadership core, appointing a formidable five-member selection panel to spearhead the recruitment of critical positions—including the County Secretary, the Secretary/CEO of the Siaya County Public Service Board (CPSB), and new CPSB members.
The appointments, announced via X on Thursday, February 12, 2026, come hot on the heels of the Siaya County Assembly’s approval of the nominees on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following rigorous vetting by the House Committee on Appointments.
In his official statement, Governor Orengo declared:
“Following the successful vetting and approval of the nominees to the Selection Panel for the recruitment of the Members and Secretary (CEO) of the Siaya County Public Service Board and the County Secretary by the Siaya County Assembly, I have appointed the following as members of the Selection Panel:
1. FCPA Risper Olick – Chairperson
2. Fred Edward Otieno Ambala – Member
3. Francis Ochung – Member
4. Gladys Olambo Okoth – Member
5. Alphonce Castro Okumu – Member
As they embark on this noble task of identifying the most qualified candidates for these critical vacant positions, I congratulate them and wish them success. We look forward to a transparent, merit-based, and professional recruitment process.”
The panel brings a blend of high-caliber expertise: Chairperson FCPA Risper Olick, a seasoned certified public accountant with boardroom experience including a recent appointment to the Kenya Revenue Authority Board; advocate Fred Edward Otieno Ambala; ICPAK representative Francis Ochung; union advocate Gladys Olambo Okoth; and private-sector professional Alphonce Castro Okumu.
This development addresses long-standing vacancies, and impending expirations of current board members’ terms. The recruitment is seen as a key step in bolstering institutional capacity, governance, and service delivery in vital sectors like health, finance, and administration across Siaya County.
The County Assembly’s approval process, grounded in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the County Governments Act 2012, and the Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approvals) Act 2017, underscores a commitment to integrity, fairness, and compliance.
Residents and stakeholders now anticipate prompt advertisements for the positions, with expectations high for a clean, competence-driven exercise that delivers top talent to drive Siaya’s devolved agenda forward.
Governor Orengo’s decisive action signals renewed momentum in fortifying county institutions ahead of future electoral cycles and ongoing governance reforms.
