The Kenyan government is set to expand its grassroots administration through a new recruitment drive. The Public Service Commission (PSC) has given clearance for the recruitment of additional Assistant County Commissioners. This move aims to operationalize newly gazetted administrative units. The announcement was made by Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo during the inauguration of Kikumbulyu Division in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
The inauguration of Kikumbulyu Division, which comprises 127 villages across Ngulu, Kathyaka, Ngandani, and Ndetani sub-locations, marked the installation of the division’s first Assistant County Commissioner. Dr. Omollo encouraged qualified chiefs and assistant chiefs to apply for the positions. He noted that expanding administrative units is crucial in eliminating geographic barriers and bringing services closer to the local communities, known as wananchi.
Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of professionalism, accountability, and proactive community engagement among local administrators. He also addressed officer welfare, highlighting progress in clearing promotion backlogs, decentralizing uniform distribution, providing paramilitary and legal training, and increasing operational funding. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the administrative units.
The government has also made significant strides in improving the welfare of village elders. Dr. Omollo confirmed that the Ksh3,000 monthly stipend introduced under President William Ruto’s administration began payouts in July. Additionally, plans are underway to equip elders with smartphones and enroll them and their families in medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Omollo commended national government administrative officers (NGAOs) for their vital role in local dispute resolution, security management, community resilience, and support for key government initiatives such as farmer registration. He also praised security teams and administrators for ensuring a safe environment for candidates during national examinations.
With national examinations currently in progress, Dr. Omollo called on officers and parents to protect children during the upcoming school holidays and prevent dropouts before schools reopen in January. He emphasized that education is crucial for the country’s development, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan child transitions to the next level of learning seamlessly.
The government’s efforts to expand grassroots administration and improve the welfare of local administrators and village elders demonstrate its commitment to enhancing service delivery and promoting community development. The recruitment drive and initiatives to equip village elders with smartphones and medical cover are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of wananchi.
Key points
- The Kenyan government is recruiting Assistant County Commissioners to operationalize new administrative units.
- The government aims to eliminate geographic barriers and bring services closer to local communities.
- Village elders will receive smartphones and medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
