Provincial administrators back to class

By Naftal Makori

At least 80 provincial administrators in Kisii and Nyamira Counties are back to class in pursuit of higher education as they prepare for devolved governance.

A section of chiefs and their assistants have already enrolled in a number of universities in Kisii town to build their capacities before county governments start off.

The administrators said going back to class could empower them with necessary administrative skills, amid uncertainty that restructuring of the provincial administration may render others jobless.

Mr Samuel Omambia, 50, of Magenche location said he decided to undertake a degree in Public Administration to prepare himself for responsibilities that would come after next election.

“I encourage other chiefs to return to class and improve their academic qualifications. There will be a lot of competition for opportunities and we need to be empowered otherwise we will be left behind,” said Mr Omambia. 

During a two day workshop, held at the E-Smart center in Kisii, at least 150 administrators attended a training that was aimed at promoting good governance and improving administrative skills. 

Dr Julius Mogaka, institution’s principal, said the training could build the capacity of the administrators by honing their management skills thus enhance service delivery.

The workshop emphasized issues need for transparency and efficiency in service delivery as ingredients for good governance.

Dr Mogaka said that E-smart and Narok University were committed to promoting good governance and to create the capacity among the administrators for efficiency in their work.

Mr Thomas Gekonde, regional registrar of persons (South Rift) who was the chief guest during the workshop observed that reforming the provincial administration was a challenging task and it needed commitment and support by all.

Similar workshops would be held every month to train the administrators on issues of transparency and social accountability, planning and facilitation skills so as to enable them to be responsive to citizen's needs.