Governor Barchok sets eyes 2022 race

Hillary Barchok

His quick rise to the occasion and intimate understanding of county operations has come as a surprise even to his close associates. One county staff said of him that, ‘he looks calm, slow and quiet, but when he decides to deal with anyone messing up with county resources, he does so decisively, without fear or favour.’ Perhaps a testimony of his common rebuff to those who say he looks slow and quiet, ‘The slow steps of a lion are not a weakness but a strategy.’

In a short span of time, Barchok seems to have disrupted conventional management approaches. His open-door policy has created a buzz amongst Bomet residents, the common citizens, now has unprecedented access to his office, something that has bewildered high ranking visitors who expected exclusive VIP, access and treatment at the governor’s office.

His notably subtle style of leadership has also enhanced industry and goodwill among low cadre employees and the locals, as one onion farmer from the county fondly told us ‘the new leadership has been characterized by greater focus on the people’.

Isaac Ruto

Going by reports in the media, the governor follows this up with a hands-on approach visiting various villages to support the socio-economic activities of Bomet residents. Barchok’s approach to the job may be another testament that change management is a science in itself. The rapid shift in approach to leadership looks like his textbook definition of how to leverage on natural ability to inspire his team and create strategic alignment towards the successful execution of the county’s commitments to the electorate. From most of his speeches, he looks committed to keeping true to the legacy of the late Joyce Laboso while playing to his real and perceived strengths and weaknesses to an advantage. A top county executive who wishes to remain anonymous confided in us that the county’s CEO insists on shared understanding and commitment to fulfill the expectations of the local residents. Not one to blindly toe the party line, a shift from the popular “tuko pamoja” approach, is apparent in the way Barchok has emphasized meritocracy among senior management irrespective of how close they are to him even though some say he has given MCAs an upper hand in leadership decisions.

The late Joyce Laboso

The transition has not been easy for the governor as manifested by a barrage of attacks from his critics and in the local media, a clear indication that his approach has not gone down well many political throats.

Many have called him out on key decisions including his choice of deputy, subjecting the old CECs to fresh vetting, the recent termination of CS’s contract and even allowing the Public Service Board to oversee all county recruitment through a transparent online platform.

Be that as it may, to the electorate and members of his team, these decisions only serve to spell the dawn of an independent, accountable, people-centered leadership in Bomet County.

The governor will face CCM party leader Isaac Ruto who is also laying ground to recapture the seat he lost in 2017. Isaac courtesy of Kanu leader Gideon Moi, has joined those fighting deputy president William Ruto influence in Kalenjinland.