Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya yesterday caught residents of Barbaton village by surprise when he arrived at 6.30am to launch a road project.

By the time Natembeya's convoy arrived in Barbaton, some residents were still asleep Charles Wekesa said he was caught by surprise.

Several residents who were still sleeping jumped out of their homes to witness the opening of the 10km road connecting Barbaton and Mukuyuni.

"Some of us were still sleeping and hoped to see the governor by 9am. It is unusual for government officials to carry out their official duties on a cold morning," Jane Nekesa said.

Sirende MCA Alfred Weswa and his Machewa counterpart Geofrey Kisiangani both admitted that the governor's work style had surprised them.

Kisiangani praised the governor, calling his actions a "new dawn" for Trans Nzoia county. Many of those interviewed praised the governor for starting his work earlier than usual.

Natembeya arrives at the office at 7am and has been pushing for county employees to arrive by 7.30am. The governor said his administration has begun a programme to repair feeder roads throughout the county in order to boost production.

He directed Roads CEC Jackson Amboka to ensure that standard work is done and asked residents to report cases of poor workmanship to his office. "The public has 90 days to complain if there is poor workmanship," Natembeya said.

Senior county officials who braved the cold morning to join the governor in carrying out his mission included Natembeya's Deputy Philomena Bineah, CECs Patrick Gicheru, Phanice Khatundi, and Sammy Ojwang.