Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor John Barorot has officially resigned from his position, effective immediately. The announcement was made during a meeting with senior county staff at the Eka Hotel in Eldoret, which was attended by Governor Jonathan Bii.
During a press conference held on Monday 19th August, Governor Bii confirmed that Barorot had resigned after securing a prestigious new role as Chief Executive Officer at an international ICT firm. Barorot is set to begin this new position on September 1, 2024.
Addressing the media, Barorot emphasized that his decision to leave the county government was not due to any differences with the governor, as had been speculated. Instead, he stated that he was eager to explore new opportunities in the private sector, particularly in the ICT industry, where he has accumulated 30 years of experience.
“It’s in the private sector but it has a catalytic role. I go with my head high because of my passion. I have worked well with the governor and other employees,” Barorot said during his farewell speech.
Governor Bii, in his remarks, praised Barorot for his dedicated service to Uasin Gishu County and wished him success in his new role. He described Barorot’s appointment as a blessing to the county, highlighting the deputy governor’s significant contributions during his tenure.
Barorot’s resignation comes at a pivotal time for Uasin Gishu, just days after Eldoret, the county’s capital, was officially conferred with city status by President William Ruto. The ceremony, which took place on 15th August, marked a historic moment for Eldoret, positioning it as the fifth city in Kenya and a key economic hub in the Rift Valley region.
The elevation of Eldoret to city status brings with it new responsibilities and opportunities for the county government, as it seeks to navigate the challenges of urbanization and enhance service delivery to its residents. Barorot’s departure adds another layer of complexity to this transition, as the county leadership will now need to fill the deputy governor’s position while also focusing on the implementation of new urban development initiatives.
Speculation about Barorot’s resignation had been rife in recent days, particularly after his conspicuous absence from the city status conferment event. However, he had dismissed these rumors just a week prior, reaffirming his commitment to his role. His official resignation now puts an end to the speculation, as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career.
