“Road to Singapore” dependent on you, Koskei tells administrators

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has urged National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to take a more proactive role in driving the country’s development agenda.

Koskei said their involvement is critical to the success of the government’s “Road to Singapore” vision.

Speaking during a high-level meeting that brought together regional commissioners, county commissioners, secretaries and directors of administration, deputy county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs, Koskei emphasised that grassroots leadership would determine whether Kenya achieves its ambitious development targets.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also attended the meeting.

Koskei said the realisation of the country’s national development ambitions cannot happen without the active participation of administrators working at the grassroots.

“The realisation of our national development ambition, what we often refer to as the ‘Road Map to Singapore,’ cannot be achieved without full engagement, proactive leadership and deliberate action at the grassroots by the National Government Administrative Officers,” he said.

The Head of Public Service challenged NGAOs to take a more assertive and visible role in mobilising communities, coordinating government initiatives and ensuring that citizens understand the programmes designed to improve their livelihoods.

“NGAOs must therefore take a more assertive and visible role in mobilising communities, coordinating government initiatives and ensuring that citizens understand the programmes that are transforming their livelihoods,” he said.

Koskei said the Kenya Kwanza administration has achieved several milestones through the efforts of NGAOs across the country.

He cited the successful coordination of key national programmes such as the Inua Jamii Social Protection Programme, farmer registration initiatives aimed at supporting agricultural transformation and the national climate change campaign targeting the planting of 15 billion trees.

Other achievements include the 100 per cent school transition drive, safeguarding the security and integrity of national examinations, public sensitisation on the Affordable Housing Programme and community mobilisation to support reforms under the Social Health Authority and Universal Health Coverage.

“These achievements demonstrate your ability to deliver on national priorities when properly mobilised and coordinated,” Koskei said.

The Head of Public Service observed that some government administrators had at times adopted a reserved approach when communicating and championing key government policies, particularly the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Plan.

He reminded the administrators that they serve as the direct link between the national government and citizens and must therefore take their responsibilities seriously.

“You are our eyes, ears and hands on the ground. Going forward, you must take your central role as the representatives of His Excellency the President to deliver on your mandate of coordinating, supervising, disseminating and communicating policy directives that prepare the roadmap to the Singapore dream,” Koskei said.

He urged NGAOs to remain accessible and approachable to members of the public seeking government services.

“As NGAOs, you are the first point of contact between citizens and government. Citizens should feel comfortable approaching you to seek guidance, raise concerns or request assistance in accessing government services,” Koskei said.

He encouraged administrators to engage regularly with communities, listen to wananchi’s concerns and offer clear guidance on how citizens can benefit from various government programmes.

Koskei further stressed the importance of NGAOs being well informed about government policies and initiatives so that they can effectively guide citizens.