Griftu: The newly appointed Senior Chief for Mathow Location in Griftu Division, Wajir West Sub-County, Bille Nunow Shihaw, has pledged to strengthen government service delivery and work closely with residents to address security, social and environmental challenges facing the area. Bille made the pledge after he was formally installed as the Senior Chief during a ceremony attended by government administrators, religious leaders as well as residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Samuel Kimani, who presided over the ceremony, urged the new administrator to ensure government programmes and services reach all residents. He emphasized the importance of Bille’s role in representing the government at the grassroots level and called on him to prioritize service delivery and engage with government departments and the community in implementing national programmes and policies.
Kimani highlighted the need for necessary documents and full participation in civic processes, especially voter registration. He also called for collective efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, crime, and other social challenges, stressing the importance of cooperation between government agencies and residents for security.
He encouraged residents to maintain peace and strengthen cohesion, advocating for resolving disputes through dialogue. On environmental conservation, Kimani warned against illegal charcoal burning, linking it to environmental degradation and emphasizing the threat of climate change.
In his acceptance speech, Bille expressed gratitude to the government and residents for the trust placed in him and committed to executing his duties in line with the Constitution and laws of Kenya. He vowed to collaborate with the community to implement government policies and ensure effective service delivery.
Bille outlined his focus on addressing community challenges, including illegal charcoal burning, domestic violence, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). He urged residents to cooperate with the administration by sharing information and supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining security and social order.
Community leaders welcomed Bille’s appointment, highlighting his discipline and commitment to the area. Muktar Ali, a resident, noted that Bille’s dedication to the community was recognized in his appointment. Mainey Farah, another resident, cited Bille’s experience as a supervisor at Wajir Water and Sewerage Company (WAJIWASCO) as preparation for his new role in public administration.
Former retired Chief Noor Wario encouraged residents to support the new administration and work with Bille to address local challenges, emphasizing the importance of community and government collaboration for successful leadership. Habiba, another speaker, expressed community expectations for equitable treatment of all residents under Bille’s leadership, noting pride in having one of their own entrusted with such responsibility.
