Meru Governor Rev. Mutuma M’ Ethingia has held inaugural County Staff Engagement Forum, aimed at chatting the way forward in service delivery to the residents.
Speaking during the forum, Mutuma revealed that the forum was also meant to enhance interdepartmental communication, sharing his vision for effective service delivery, listening to staff insight, receiving feedback and innovative ideas, as well as celebrating the dedication and achievements of all the county teams.
“Today we gather here not as individuals, but as a collective workforce committed to the betterment of our county. Our role is a calling that demands utmost dedication, integrity and innovation as we strive to achieve our performance in public service, let us reflect on the impact we can have on the lives of those we serve,” he said.
The governor noted that public service is the engine of any government, and the bridge that connects government to the people ensuring that their voice is heard and people-centred services are offered.
Therefore, our work as public servants affect all sectors of the society including education, healthcare agriculture, order in our towns, environmental safety, county transport and water provision, among other roles, added Mutuma.
“Consequently, every decision we make and every action we take has the potential to transform the lives of our people,” he reiterated.
The governor said Meru is facing a moment of rebirth, renaissance, and a new beginning with every critical moment in history of the county.
“As one of you and your team leader, I am cognizant of your challenges and just to mention but a few, in the past you did not only have your salaries delayed and unremitted statutory deductions, but faced effects of haphazard decisions. You have been harassed, intimidated, and victimized. At times even for your professionalism at work.
“As your governor, I fully understand the situation that I found you in; I inherited some wounded, demoralized, demotivated and disorganized staff and like a caged bird, some had become hopeless. Therefore, as we acknowledge our past, let us shake off the dust, pick our strength, integrity, professionalism, and make strides in transforming our society,” said Mutuma.
He said he has a plan to implement a public service transformation strategy, and towards that direction, he has lined up a number of issues requiring immediate attention including ensuring that staff salaries are prioirtised and paid on time, as well as remitting statutory deductions effecting pending promotions.
To staff serving in the defunct Meru Town council, the governor directed public service to start receiving requests from those wishing to join the mainstream service to avoid career stagnation.
He also directed the public service County Executive, Baptista Muriiki to ensure that by the end of this month, all the staff are transferred to the new health service cover provider to ensure all the workers access health services effectively including the revenue staff.
By Dickson Mwiti
