By Elizabeth Ochogo
The Siaya County's Department of Tourism, Sports, Culture, and Arts held a meeting at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium to officially welcome the new County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Dr. Kut Ochogo, who succeeds Mrs. Angeline Oduor, and the new Chief Officer (CO), Mr. Wilfred Nyagudi, who takes over from Mrs. Judith Oyugi.
In his address to departmental staff, Dr. Kut emphasized that structured induction is fundamental to any successful workplace.
He noted that a formal orientation program builds high levels of discipline and mutual understanding between senior management and junior staff, ultimately fostering a harmonious and productive environment.
The CECM commended the department for its impressive cohort of PhD holders across various fields and challenged junior staff to proactively tap into this rich internal expertise to acquire new skills and advance their careers.“I will provide strategic direction to realize the department’s mission and vision, ensuring smooth workflows and the successful delivery of the mandate entrusted to us by the Governor,” Dr. Kut stated.
He further cautioned staff to maintain a clear boundary between professional duties and politics, stressing that absolute discipline and respect must be shown to the county’s top leadership at all times.
Outlining his development agenda, Dr. Kut pledged to revitalize the county’s creative and cultural economy by reviving dormant talents and flagship events, such as the Mr. and Miss Tourism runway pageants.
He rallied the team around the timeless adage, “Together we stand, divided we fall,” urging them to embrace absolute teamwork in delivering high-quality services to the people of Siaya.
Echoing the CECM’s collaborative spirit, the incoming Chief Officer, Mr. Wilfred Nyagudi, paid tribute to the outgoing leadership. He congratulated them on their remarkable contributions to departmental growth and for successfully raising Siaya’s profile, especially in sports and the arts.
He reminded staff of the unique, public-facing nature of their docket, which engages directly with local communities as well as regional and international tourists. Given this high visibility, he emphasized the importance of embodying the department’s core values in both word and deed.
“I promise to lift the flag higher than it has ever been. My dream is to take it to the top mast; Siaya must continue shining bright like a diamond, here and beyond,” he said.
This meeting marks a significant new chapter for the department, setting a strong foundation for renewed focus, unity, and excellence. By bringing together new leadership and staff in open dialogue, the engagement underscores the critical importance of shared vision and collaboration in driving Siaya County’s tourism, sports, culture, and arts sectors to greater heights.