Nairobi News

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has unveiled a programme meant to keep all county government officials physically fit while performing their duties.

The officials are required to engage in physical exercise at least once a week.

They will be meeting at Raila Odinga Homa Bay Stadium for the physical exercise on selected days.

Ms Wanga led other officials including county executives, chief officers, and directors in their first training session of the kind on October 13, 2023.

Her Deputy Oyugi Magwanga was conspicuously missing despite being with her boss in a meeting hours earlier.

Ms Wanga announced a similar exercise will be held on October 17, 2023.

In an invite sent to county officials before the activity, the devolved unit said physical exercise goes beyond body fitness.

“It’s a powerful tool for our mental wellness. In the midst of rising lifestyle diseases and mental illnesses, staying fit cannot be overemphasized,” read part of the notice.

Later, some officials, including some who have never participated in such activity, judging by the size of their bodies, joined their boss in participating in physical exercise.

Ms Wanga said staying physically active is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being.

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“The first county staff fitness day proved to be a great success! Let’s meet again next Tuesday, at the same location and time, to continue our fitness journey together,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Some residents gave their response on social media with others praising it as others criticised.

Mr Swidick Okello described the activity as a good start in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“The next step should involve using a clean diet and getting rid of the junk food and snacks in those offices. If they replicate the same in their homes then and only then you can have a healthy county, this starts with you,” he wrote on Facebook.

Mr Caleb Oguttu proposed to the governor to build a modern gym for county government officials and the public.

“Good initiative of her Excellency Governor Gladys Wanga. Now think about building a modern gym for staff and for the public at a small fee,”

Mr Oguttu said the gym can be used by the devolved unit as one of its revenue generation streams as well as a source of employment for youths.

Wuod Alice however said physical exercise for county officials is not important.

He questioned how the activity will improve the lives of residents.

“Physical exercise is not important. We want to see roads being improved,” he said.