Njuki Reshuffles County Leadership to Boost Public Service Delivery

Less than a day after issuing a stern warning to county health workers against using public hospitals to recruit patients for their private clinics, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has announced a series of sweeping changes aimed at improving service delivery across county departments.

Speaking during the announcement at his office in Chuka on Wednesday, Governor Njuki emphasized that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in public service.

“In an effort to make services better for the people of Tharaka Nithi, we’ve initiated several changes in government. These changes won’t happen all at once, they will roll out gradually. This is just the first batch, and we are starting with hospitals to ensure they function more effectively,” he said.

Among the key appointments in the health sector, Dr. Christine Mbaka will continue serving as Medical Superintendent at Magutuni Hospital. Dr. Muchiri has been appointed to lead Marimanti Hospital, while Dr. John Wamwaki takes over as the new Medical Superintendent at Chuka Level 5 Referral Hospital.

In hospital administration, Bonface Murithi Kainga has been named the new administrator for Chuka Level 5 Hospital, and Charles Munene Nyaga will serve in the same role at Marimanti Hospital. Magutuni Hospital will retain its current administrator.

Beyond healthcare, the Governor announced changes in administrative leadership to strengthen oversight and coordination at the grassroots level.

Hilary Mutugi Njagi has been appointed Deputy County Secretary, while Adiel Mutwiri Manyaki will serve as Director of Administration in the Department of Administration.

Sub-county leadership has also been reshuffled. Alexious Karani will head Tharaka South, Fred Kiriri will lead Tharaka North, and James Kinyua Rwigi has been appointed to oversee Muthambi Sub-County.

Jack Muchiri will serve as Town Administrator for Marimanti, while Agarine Mwende takes charge of Chuka Sub-County. Alex Mugendi will lead Igambang’ombe, and Purity Gatwiri will serve as the Maara/Mwimbi Sub-County Administrator. Leadership in Chogoria and Chuka Towns remains unchanged.

At the ward level, new administrators have been appointed to strengthen local governance. Alex Munyua will serve in Muthambi Ward, while Caroline Njagi moves from Mugwe to Mariani Ward. Other appointments include Cosmas Mwaria (Gatunga), Rose Kanini (Chogoria), Fredrick G. Kea (Mitheru), Erastus Kinyua (Mugwe), Lisper Mukami Kirimi (Ganga), Erick Kimathi Nyaga (Mwimbi), Loyd Micheni Murithi (Igambang’ombe), Eric Mugendi Kirimi (Mukothima), John Mutiria Nyaga (Marimanti), Jeremy Murithi (Chiakariga), Loyd Muthure Muketha (Nkondi), Mercy Kagendo (Magumoni), and Wilson Kinyua (Karingani).

In the Department of Transport, Betty Mwende Rwanda has been reassigned to the Directorate of Transport, where she will serve as Assistant Director of Transport Services.

Governor Muthomi Njuki also made an unannounced visit to Chuka Optimal Hospital, after sounding the alarm over a group of county doctors allegedly operating there unlawfully.