By Reporter
Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime on Saturday issued a stern warning to individuals masquerading as county officials and transact business on behalf of the county government.
Through a press statement, Governor Mwadime noted that his administration’s open-door policy has made the office accessible to everyone including the general public, internal and external stakeholders.
He however warned that being an open-door policy administration, that does not guarantee anyone or any organization to transact any business on behalf of the County government of Taita Taveta unless there is such an agreement.
This comes after an advertisement was published in one of the national newspapers, The Standard Newspaper stating that the county will hold an inaugural investors and development conference slated for 2nd to 7th of October, 2023 in Taita Taveta County.
Mwadime noted that that is a fake advertisement noting that the County government is not planning and was not involved in issuing the information published.
“It has come to our attention that there is a fake advertisement that was published in The Standard Newspaper on Tuesday and Friday this week associating Taita Taveta County government as the host of ‘The inaugural investors and development conference’ scheduled to take place on October 2nd to 7th, 2023,” read part of the press statement.
Further, the statement stated that,”I would like to distance my government from this advertisement and we shall not be responsible or liable to any loss, damage or liability caused.”
The governor however disclosed that the County is not hosting such a conference adding that the public should always verify information on the county’s website and social platforms for authenticity.
He further appealed to the media to always verify information and sources before publishing anything to avoid damages of misinformation and disinformation.
Meanwhile, the governor disclosed that Dr. Kiendi, who is suspected to be the source of information advertised, presented himself to cabinet meetings but the county government did not authorize any business transmission between him and the County.
“We are surprised he has started doing advertisements in newspapers before coming back to the county or involving anyone in the county government. When he is called, he doesn’t receive the calls and that’s what has made us presume that he is the one,” said the Governor adding that that is the main reason the county is distancing itself from the information being spread through the advertisement.
The governor however calls for collaboration with like-minded partners and investors for the sustainable use of the vast natural resources available in the county for the benefit of the people of Taita Taveta.