Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan has asked public servants to focus on service delivery based on the existing government’s policies.
Dr. Hassan said there was need to steer the country forward, adding that it was the collective responsibility of civil servants to live up to expectations of taxpayers, irrespective of any affiliation.
Speaking on Friday during inauguration of the National Government Development Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) at the plenary hall in Nakuru, the Regional Commissioner said public service is critical for the State to deliver on its mandate and for people to achieve their desires and aspirations.
Consequently, he urged public servants to familiarise themselves with the Kenya Kwanza agenda, saying it is the platform upon which the government was elected.
“An efficient, professional and result-oriented public service is critical to any government and country. The government works through the public service to deliver on its mandate and legitimate expectations of taxpayers, irrespective of how they voted.” He pointed out
Dr. Hassan indicated that public servants would continue to be encouraged to provide better service as they were the bedrock of the government.
The administrator stated that Kenyans have a right to demand accountability from public servants and their leaders.
“Kenyans have a right to demand accountability and service delivery from the government and their leaders,” said the Regional Commissioner.
“‘Everybody must take responsibility for what he or she has been given to perform at both the national and county levels,” he added.
Dr. Hassan said that all institutions charged with the responsibility of ensuring effective and efficient service should not let Kenyans down.
He affirmed. “Institutions, which have been given the mandate by the Constitution, should take firm and decisive action against those found engaging in corruption, theft and misuse of public resources.”
The Regional Commissioner went on: “The government is ready and prepared to make sure that it accounts for every promise it made to Kenyans.”
He underscored the government’s commitment to ensure those found engaging in corruption are eliminated to pave way for a transformational country that Kenyans would be proud of.
Dr. Hassan assured citizens that the state will ensure that there is no theft or wastage of public resources.
He said the war against corruption would only be successful if citizens joined by not engaging in bribery.
“As citizens, we should not bribe civil servants for services because they are paid salaries to serve you. When you bribe them, you are participating in corruption,” stated the administrator.
He added: “Those of us who do not report those participating in corruption are no different from those engaging in the vice. They are therefore letting us down.”
Rift Valley Regional Head of Government Delivery Services, Mr Sitati Olando, assured Kenyans that Kenya Kwanza leaders were ready to submit to the requirements of transparency and accountability in their actions.
Mr. Olando said all leaders and public servants must uphold the highest standards of integrity.
He added, “As we prepare the leadership of tomorrow, those of us in leadership today must act transparently and be accountable because that is the demand of the Constitution. There are no options for that or exceptions,” he said.
Mr. Sitati urged leaders to unite Kenyans and focus their energies on socio-economic development.
He said President Dr. William Ruto’s administration is committed to strengthening governance, fostering transparency and enhancing accountability systems in projects funded by the taxpayer, to cultivate an environment that discourages corruption at all levels.
Mr. Olando indicated that it is only through collective efforts that Kenyans can build a resilient and robust public sector.
“The right to information can only be denied in limited scenarios, such as where disclosure is likely to undermine national security, impede due process of law, or endanger the safety, health, or life of any person,” explained Olando.
He observed that transparency can ensure integrity and competitiveness of the procurement process, win public confidence in government and attract foreign direct investment, among other benefits. Most importantly, Olando noted that transparency helps fight corruption.
He indicated that the government has taken some positive steps in this regard. Olando cited the Companies (Beneficial Ownership Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which require parties to provide beneficial ownership information in public procurement, asset disposal and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
By Anne Mwale and Dennis Ariwa
