News Categories: Administration, Public Service and ICT

The County Government of Nandi is fostering collaborative relationships with the Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) institutions in order to tap into the invaluable research and innovations offered by the institutions for transformative economic growth and development.

Today, the County entered into an MoU with Emsos Technical Institute aimed at harnessing the potential of the Institute to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU held at the Governor’s Boardroom, the County Secretary Dr Francis Sang said the two organizations will work on knowledge sharing and come up with interventions supporting training in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

He noted that the mutual areas of collaboration with the county government include provision of a good learning environment for the students from Emsos and allow learners access county facilities for learning purposes.

“The MoU is very crucial as the trainees being attached to our facilities will bring with them requisite expertise from their different fields of training,” said Dr Sang.

On his part, Emsos Technical Institute Principal Mark Kitongo said “Through this initiative, the trainees will be exposed to a working environment where they will acquire more knowledge and skills in their training during the industrial linkages and collaborations with the County Government of Nandi.”

Also present were the CEC Member for Administration, ICT and e-Government Isaiah Ketter, the County Solicitor Advocate Letting and Emmy Lagat EMSOS Institute Industrial and Linkages Officer.

The County Government of Nandi is calling on its staff members to submit applications for consideration for prestigious national honours.

The invitation comes in response to a directive from the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, who urged all government entities to establish committees to receive and evaluate nominations for national honours.

The County Government of Nandi has formed a committee to review applications and recommend suitable candidates for the following awards:

• Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (M.G.H.)
• Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.)
• Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.)
• The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (O.G.W.)   
• The Head of State’s Commendation (HSC)

To qualify for a national honour, individuals must have demonstrated exemplary qualities, actions, or achievements in areas such as heroism, sacrifice, bravery, patriotism, or leadership. They must also have made significant contributions to the country or county in various fields, including economic development, social welfare, scientific research, and public service.

Interested staff members can download nomination forms from the Deputy President’s website (www.deputypresident.go.ke) and submit them to the Office of the County Secretary by September 3rd, 2024.

The above relevant documents can also be downloaded from the links below:

1. Nomination Guidelines
2. Nomination Form

The County Government of Nandi steers on towards an informed citizenry. Openness and citizen engagement have been the key pillars in bringing governance closer to the people as well as enhancing satisfactory delivery services.

It is developing new initiatives to heighten this objective. These initiatives include the establishment of a toll-free call centre (1548) in 2019, public participation and citizen engagement fora, open contracting and procurement, and now outdoor LED display.

Nandi County has made significant strides through its participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Under the 2020-2021 Action Plan, the county has focused on two main commitments: public participation and citizen engagement, and open contracting and procurement.

One of the cornerstone initiatives is the establishment of the Open Data Desk, an online platform accessible at https://data.nandi.go.ke. This platform provides citizens with vital information and a means to actively participate in the county’s decision-making processes.

Recently, Nandi County was recognised for its innovative efforts, winning an award at the 2023 OGP Summit in Estonia. The country emerged as the top performer in Africa for digital transformation, underscoring its commitment to leveraging technology for transparent governance.

To further empower citizens, Nandi County has conducted comprehensive training programmes for civil society organizations. These sessions focus on the budget-making process, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively represent public interests in financial decisions.

In a pioneering move to enhance transparency, the county is currently installing an outdoor LED screen in Kapsabet. This screen will display ongoing projects, government strategies, and other essential information, ensuring that citizens are continually informed and engaged with real-time updates about their county’s developments.

Additionally, the LED screen will stream live events such as sports, one of the county’s strengths, including the ongoing Olympics, where many athletes hail from Nandi. The screen will also generate revenue by offering advertising space to businesses, creating a new income stream for the county. It’s projected that in FY 24/25, through the LED screen, the county will collect Kshs 5.8 million.

As part of its efforts to improve access to information, Nandi County has introduced the Nandi Chatbot, available at www.nandi.go.ke. This chatbot allows citizens to interact and obtain information on any service offered by the county.

The chatbot serves as a convenient and efficient tool for citizens to get answers to their queries and learn more about county services.

On the front of open contracting, Nandi County has rolled out an Open Contracting portal, accessible at https://opencontracting.nandi.go.ke.

This portal is designed to increase transparency and accountability in procurement processes. It provides public access to information about contracts, promoting openness and fairness in procurement.

Additionally, the county is actively developing a legal framework for open contracting. This framework will set clear guidelines and standards to ensure transparent and accountable procurement practices.

To further enhance citizen engagement and transparency, Nandi County has launched a toll-free call centre, accessible by dialling 1548. This call centre provides citizens with an easy and cost-free way to obtain information, ask questions, and give feedback.

The call centre aims to enhance openness by ensuring that all residents have access to important information and services without any financial barriers.

Nandi County’s progress in the OGP initiative is supported by a range of partnerships. Collaborators include Mzalendo Trust, HIVOS East Africa, the National Taxpayers Association (NTA), and the Open Institute. These partnerships underscore the county’s commitment to leveraging diverse expertise and resources to achieve its OGP goals.

In a forward-looking move, Nandi County is preparing to launch a new action plan. This plan will be co-created with civil society organisations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the plan meets the community’s needs and aspirations.

Through initiatives such as the award-winning Open Data Desk, training programmes, the Open Contracting portal, and the innovative use of the outdoor LED screen in Kapsabet, along with the introduction of the toll-free call centre (1548) and the Nandi Chatbot, Nandi County is setting a benchmark for inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance.

These efforts underscore the county’s dedication to fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, reinforcing its role as a leader in open government practices.

The County Executive Committee Member for Administration and Public Service Isaiah Ketter and the Kapsabet Municipality Manager Richard Ngeny received the newly appointed officers, Assistant Director of Administration Enforcement and compliance Stanley Rotich who is taking over from Christopher Biwott and the Chief Administration Officer for Enforcement Nicholas Kigen and Chief Administration Officer Compliance Victor Melly Lulley.

The CEC Member thanked the outgoing Enforcement Director for his professionalism, dedication, diligence and commitment to service and wished him well as he heads to retirement.

Nandi County participates in The Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting for Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Morocco. This forum addresses issues of: Civil participation and collective action in improving public service; safeguarding digital democracy; tackling corruption and barriers to women’s participation in public procurement; raising ambition on access to justice; opening justice for gender equality and women’s political rights; prudent resource utilization, enhancing economic growth and eradication of poverty.

Nandi County joined OGP in 2020 and is currently implementing two commitment areas: Public Participation & Citizen Engagement and Open Contracting & Procurement under the 2021 Action plan.

Nandi’s Deputy Governor H.E Dr. Yulita Mitei together with County Head of procurement Japhet Tirop and the Director public participation- Naomy Keter represented the County in the meeting. Morocco hosts this regional meeting under the Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed IV.

Her excellency also attended high profile round table meetings with Director of OGP Local Mr. Rudi Boorsman and later Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya CEO NEPAD/ APRM to discussed areas of collaboration and partnerships. OGP is pleased with Nandi’s commitment and the programmes that have been implemented to advance open governance. These programmes are pioneered by the establishment of a Toll Free Call centre (1548).

The 4 day meeting which adjourned today in Marrakech, Morocco brought together member countries in Africa and Middle East that have committed to Open Governance. In their wider discussion, the member nations agreed to strengthen their network, working together, fostering research and innovation, exchange of policies and more so leveraging on existing regional forums to share successes and challenges amongst members.

These fruitful meetings came up with a number of declaration for successful implementation of open governance. These declaration include: Adoption of openness in action plans, promote sharing of good practice, promote publication and sharing of public information, promote dialogue in addressing challenges, raising awarenesses and promoting open governance.

Nandi County recently partnered with Christian Aid-Kenya and National Tax Payers Association in enhancing capacity of communities to strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in the management of nutrition resources. Other organizations interested in partnerships with Nandi include Open Contracting Partnership Africa and Global Integrity.

Nandi County is pleased to host Open Governance Partnership (OGP), local government exchange and networking convention that is set to take place between 30th November – 3rd December 2021. This comes forth with Nandi county’s appointment to join OGP in 2020, its commitment in integrating openness in governance and the efforts in building an informed citizenry.

The convention brings together delegates from the Counties of Nairobi, Elgeiyo Marakwet, Makueni & Nandi, National government OGP representatives, Open Governance International (OGI), Mzalendo Trust, HIVOS, Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), NTA and Development Gateway.

The county’s key commitment areas include public participation, citizen engagement and open procurement. Rightful consideration of these core areas enhances transparency, accountability and responsiveness.

Nandi is keen in engaging and empowering citizens to directly influence and shape government plans & policies. It’s achieving this through establishment of openness and citizen engagement platforms. These platforms include the toll free County Call Centre (1548) , digitization of government processes and enactment of Nandi County public participation & civic education Act.

Among other guests to grace the event include representatives from CAJ-Ombudsman, Senate, Kenya Space Agency and Office of the Deputy President where OGP is domicile.

Kapsabet municipality hosted officers from Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) on a routine assessment mission for the complete and ongoing urban development projects. These projects include Non motorized transport facility, Sewer extension and storm water drainage, Juakali & fabricated shades and Street lighting for 2018/3019 FY as well as the ongoing Road Infrastructural Works for 2019/2020 FY.

Speaking during the meeting, Kapsabet Municipal manager Richard Ng’eny promised  keen supervision of work, progress monitoring and timely completion of the ongoing projects

.

Eng. Charles Mutunga was pleased with the swift progress of the road construction works and further called upon the technical committee to ensure quality work is delivered.

In his address, the Chief Officer for Administration and public Service Feisal Mohammed called upon the general public to give ample time for timely implementation of the projects by the contractor.

He added that the department is finalizing on the plan for the upgrade of Nandi-hills town council to a municipality.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Administration & Public Service section is partnering with Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) and County Pension Fund (CPF) in carrying out continuous capacity building and training on retirement planning for the employees.

The department together with a team of consultants from the partner institutions led by Gladys Cheptoo, CPF Branch Relations- Nandi County, held a retirement planning seminar for employees approaching retirement. This seminar was attended majorly by employees nearing retirement where more than ninety (90) participants were trained.

Among key issues highlighted in the seminar included: personal investment and financial management, psychological & health issues , attitude to new lifestyle as well as proper time management before and after retirement.

In his address during the seminar, the Chief Officer for Administration and public Service Feisal Mohammed called upon all the employees to have a retirement plan early enough so as to secure their lives when time comes. He also emphasized on the need for proper financial management.

Tom Kiptanui- Deputy Manager Market conduct in RBA, spoke on the need for the county’s labor force to get enrolled to a retirement benefit scheme for proper  planning. He also pointed out that RBA is there to advise on matters relating to retirement benefits and more so protect the interest of members and sponsors of retirement benefit schemes.

Ms Vivian Chebii -CPF Regional Manager Eldoret Branch appreciated the cordial relationship between CPF and the county as she further encourages the general work force to join the scheme.

The participants also had an opportunity to interact with John Cheruiyot (retiree) who gave his personal experience on retirement planning and was able to enlighten them on personal investment and financial planning as a retirement preparation strategy.

.

Nandi County’s partnership with Koitaleel Samoei University College is bearing fruits as the university plans to establish Faculty of Agricultural and environmental studies at Kaimosi ATC in Kapkangani Ward- Emgwen Sub County.

The County’s key departments together with the university held a public Participation forum on the consideration, suitability and establishment of the faculty in the facility.
Officials from both the University and the various county departments together with stakeholders engaged the public through consultative sessions and obtained their views & concerns regarding the plan.

Representing the County Secretary, the CECM for Lands, Environment and Natural Resource, Dr. Philemon Bureti, said that the county is pleased to partner with the university in creating more learning opportunities. He further called upon the citizens to support the initiative and promised that inputs and concerns from the public will be taken into consideration.

The Principal, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Prof. Jackson Too expressed his gratitude for the partnership that availed the opportunity to establish one of their faculties. He added that the initiative will help in expanding the university and creating better learning environment.

In attendance were: Ag. CECM for Administration- Drice Rono; Deputy Majority leader and MCA Chepkumia Ward- Wilson Sang; Chief Officers for Education and Vocational training- Scolastica Tuwei and that of Agriculture- Wilson Lelei; MCA Kapkangani Ward- Eliud Kirongo, Director for Public Participation- Naomy Ketter and Principal Kaimosi ATC among others.

The department of Administration Public Service and e-Government welcomed Eng. Drice Rono who will be the acting CECM. This comes in following the secondment of the former CECM Teresa Morogo to Koitalel Samoei University College as the Deputy Registrar- Administration.

In her address during the handing over, the outgoing CECM, Ms Morogo expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given to serve the people of Nandi. On the other hand, Eng. Rono pledged for diligence in discharging his duties to the people of Nandi.

The County Secretary, Dr Francis Sang, who witnessed the handing over, appreciated Ms. Morogo for the good work done. He further called upon the department and the citizens to support the incoming CECM for effective service delivery and governance.