Archives 2020

Today, Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye led Heads of Departments within her State Department in the signing of Performance Contracts for the FY 2020/2021.

During the signing ceremony she stressed on the importance of performance contracting as an accountability tool for measuring performance against negotiated targets.

“A performance contract is a commitment by an office holder to enhance their performance through the prudent use and management of resources as well as time so as to offer better services to mwananchi,” She remarked.

Mrs. Kimonye emphasized the need for teamwork to achieve the set-out targets for the State Department. She further asked the HODs to take charge of the implementation of the performance contracts within their departments and to ensure that they are cascaded to all staff.

She was joined in the signing ceremony by the Technical Advisors to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Titus Ndambuki, Ms. Catherine Wahome and Dr. Martin Kaumbutho as well as the Principal Administrative Secretary, Mr. Steve Ndele, who leads the Public Service Performance Management and Monitoring Unit.

The Public Service Performance Management and Monitoring Unit is domiciled under the State Department for Public Service and its mandated with developing, implementing and evaluating Performance Contracts in the entire Public Service including Counties.

By Andrew Ishepai

_{The Ministry through the Affirmative action funds namely; Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund and The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) last week disbursed cheques worth over Ksh 99 million to various youth, women and Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kakamega, Vihiga and Bungoma Counties.}

_{Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh who presided over the issuance of the Cheques called for sensitization and mobilization of the groups at the grass root level in order to increase uptake of affirmative funds in Western Counties.}

_{She noted that the Government has purposely provided affirmative funds with an intention to ensure the vulnerable groups in the society can access affordable loans to open up small enterprises and empower themselves economically.}

_{“We are calling upon all the leaders both from the National and County Government to intensify campaigns and sensitize women, youth and PWDs on the availability of affirmative funds which is now lying in various bank accounts. This money will enable them to open small enterprises and improve their livelihoods,” she reiterated.}

_{Hon. Shebesh held discussions with National and County Government officials led by the respective leaders in the three Counties namely; Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, Bungoma Governor H.E Wycliffe Wangamati and Kakamega Deputy Governor H.E Philip Kutima, who welcomed the collaboration between the Ministry of Public Service and Gender and the County Governments including National Youth Service programmes and Affirmative Action fund uptake.}

_{On the other hand, she asked parents to take their parental roles seriously arguing that the increased number of teenage pregnancies reported in the Country is at an alarming rate that needs urgent intervention.}

_{“It is sad to note that we shall be sending back to school many of our girls who are now pregnant. This is not the vision we have for our children as Country,” said the CAS.}

_{She further called for concerted effort to combat Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) arguing that victims are left to suffer in silence when the society remain silent in fighting the vice.  “Let us speak up and utilize the available resources including the toll-free number 1195 to ensure GBV victims access justice and get help at the right time,” added Hon. Shebesh}

_{The Chief Administrative Secretary toured the Huduma Centres in the three Counties to assess efficiency of service delivery and the measures put in place to ensure safety of staff and the public during COVID-19 pandemic. She also carried out inspection on the ongoing phase two of ‘Kazi Mtaani’ Programme being undertaken by local youths and other self-help groups in those Counties.}

_{Hon. Shebesh was accompanied by Chairman NYS Council, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki, NYS Director-General Matilda Sakwa, County Commissioners, County Women Reps, Women Enterprise Fund CEO, Eng. Charles Mwirigi, Uwezo Fund CEO, Peter Lengapiani and Youth Enterprise Development Fund CEO, Benson Muthendi among other National and County Government officials}

By Catherine Kamau

 

QUESTION: The current accumulated pensions bill is estimated at Sh100 billion annually, and with the pending unprocessed applications and thousands others hitting or nearing retirement age there is a real possibility of aggregate pensions clocking Sh159 billion in next the two years. What is the government’s policy to tame spiraling pensions bill? Could the government consider consolidating all pensions under the Retirements Regulatory Authority? Elly Owiny Kotieno, Kisumu

ANSWER: The pension wage bill has continued to increase over the years and is projected to increase to over Ksh. 100 billion in the current Financial Year 2020/21. To ensure sustainability of the Public Service pension wage bill, the Government is implementing pension reforms including harmonization of pension policies for the Public Service and introduction of a contributory pension scheme for Public Servants. It is already work in progress. The Government has gazetted 1^st January 2021 to be the commencement date of the Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS) Act. The employee and employer contribution will be at the rate of 7.5% and 15% of the basic salary respectively. This aims to bring under control the spiraling pension expenditure in the medium and long term and free more resources for Government development projects in other critical sectors of the economy.

The PSSS scheme covers Teachers, Civil Servants and Disciplined Services (Police, Prison officers and NYS) and any other service that the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury determines as ‘public service’ for the purposes of the Act. The PSSS, like other Public Retirement Pension Schemes is under the regulation of the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).

The Scheme has several benefits to the members: allowing employees to transfer their services to other employers without losing their pension benefits; access to own accumulated contributions and 50% of Government contributions on exiting the service; reduction of tax level as monthly contributions by employees of up to 30% of their basic salary or Ksh. 20,000 whichever is lower will be tax deductible; it ensures involvement of the employees and members in the management of their retirement fund through participation in the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Authority. This in essence enhances a sense of ownership and oversight of the management of the fund. The pension reforms are continuing and going forward the vision is to have various pension schemes consolidated to ensure common norms and standards for public servants.

QUESTION: Cabinets traditionally all the over the world are the crème de la crème of policy leadership in the republic. The cabinet is the chief steward of political and economic direction of any country. Distinguished women like you and men of valour and honour join the cabinet out of patriotism and devotion to the cause espoused for the nation by the President. To Cabinets therefore, governments are not sources of income or capital investments where profit springs. From this background can we trust the cabinet that it means well for the country when you are fronting selfish agendas in these difficult times Kenyans are going through? Ann Njoki Njung’e, Limuru

There are principles of governance that inform the conduct of public servants and these are clearly articulated in various Articles of the Constitution. Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity prescribes the conduct of State Officers and Chapter 9 article 153 enumerates Responsibility And Accountability in Cabinet. Chapter 13 Article 232 covers Principles And Values Of Public Service. There are checks in the governance structure to ensure integrity is at the core of conduct of all public officers.

Having said that, let me emphasize that the Cabinet oversights the development agenda of the Government. Currently we are on the Third Medium Plan of Kenya Vision 2030 – the blue-print that guides our development agenda. The current Medium Plan has prioritized manufacturing, food security, affordable health care and affordable housing – the Big Four Agenda. That is the current focus of our development agenda. Naturally, when unforeseen emergencies like the locust invasion, Covid-19 or floods visit, the Government is bound to take emergency mitigation measures to protect its citizens.  

QUESTION: The public service one-year internship programme that was started last year has now prepared its first batch of 3,100 inaugural graduates. What plans do you have to absorb them into public service?  What knowledge and skills have the interns gained from the programme? Raphael Obonyo, Nairobi

ANSWER: The Public Service internship programme currently covers unemployed Kenyan graduates from recognized training institutions who have completed their degree courses within the last three (3) years and have not been exposed to work experience related to their areas of study. The Programme also covers graduates from degree and diploma programmes for whom internship is a requirement for registration by respective registration bodies.

The aim of the internship program is to impart skills and experience as it exposes the interns to the different functional areas in the Public Service under the close guidance of mentors, coaches and supervisors.

Interns are recruited competitively and deployed to government Ministries, Departments and Agencies according to their skills and qualifications. The internship period is twelve months; or the duration prescribed by the institution or profession in which the intern is seeking registration. The experience gained during internship programme is considered by the Government, and any employer for that matter, as an added advantage while seeking formal employment. Interns will be issued with Internship Certificates on completion of the programme.

The Government maintains a data base of all beneficiaries of the programme and keeps track of their progress. The program is working amazingly well. Already some interns have been absorbed by the organizations they were deployed to after proving their competency. Others applied and were competitively appointed for positions advertised by the Public Service Commission, while others have left to pursue careers in the private sector. For those who will not have found substantive positions at the expiry of the internship period, they will be considered competitively alongside other deserving applicants for any Public Service jobs advertised by the Public Service Commission.

The aim of the internship program is to impart skills and experience as it exposes the interns to the different functional areas in the Public Service under the close guidance of mentors, coaches and supervisors. Feedback from interns is positive  – they have gained varied technical skills including IT skills, interpersonal and communication skills, team-work, public sector work experience, positive attitudes and values, ethics and integrity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, creativity and innovativeness, time management, and etiquette among others.

QUESTION: Truth be told, Kenya has made some impressive strides in gender equality in recent years.  However, the struggle for gender equality is still far from won. With only 20 per cent female MPs, Kenya ranks 76^th among the top 100 countries, according to the World Classification of Women in National Parliaments, well behind Rwanda and Uganda, where women occupy 56 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.  What practical steps have you taken to ensure women are involved in every sphere; socio-economic and political? Raphael Obonyo, Nairobi

ANSWER: In line with our mandate, the Ministry has prioritized women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion and capacity building of women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses. This is implemented through three affirmative action funds that target women specifically

The Women Enterprise Fund provides accessible and affordable credit and business support services to women entrepreneurs to start or expand business for wealth and employment creation. Second is Uwezo Fund which aims to expand access to finance for the youth, women and persons with disability at the constituency level for businesses and enterprises development. Third is the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) whose objective is to empower vulnerable groups in the society to improve their well-being.

The government has also provided to the marginalized –  Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities – opportunity to do business with Government through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities Programme.  The affirmative action in procurement has steadily increased opportunities for the marginalized. By April 2019, AGPO statistics indicated that tendering had increased to 45,812 tenders being awarded to Youth (44%), Women (53%) and Persons with Disabilities (3%) owned enterprises. The impact of these funds has been phenomenal.

QUESTION: You recently tabled before the Senate a report on the distribution of senior positions in the National Government across all communities. The findings were not surprising as this has been the trend since independence and all successive governments will take blame for total lack of inclusivity in Kenya where some communities are superior than others in the sharing of national cake. What have you proposed as a way forward in this matter? Dan Murugu, Nakuru

Chapter Four Article 43 of our Constitution on economic and social rights enshrines fair treatment to all Kenyans. Recruitment in the Public Service is awake to this provision and is undertaken on the basis of fair competition and merit; representation of Kenya’s diverse communities; adequate and equal opportunities to all gender, youth, members of all ethnic groups, persons with disabilities and minorities. Progressively, the provisions of the Constitution will ensure fair inclusivity.

QUESTION: Unlike at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) where the year of graduation is given weight the public service jobs do not give such consideration in job recruitment. In public service those who graduated recently are absorbed leaving out earlier graduates. I think this is unfair. What is your take? James Njoroge Kimani, Subukia

There are guidelines that guide recruitment protocols in every organization. In the Public Service the factor of year of completion of candidates is considered alongside other factors stipulated in the Constitution and relevant legislation. In accordance with the Constitution, the Public Service Commission is mandated to establish and abolish offices in the Public Service, appoint persons to hold or act in those offices and confirm them in appointments. Recruitment in the Public Service is undertaken on the basis of fair competition and merit; representation of Kenya’s diverse communities; adequate and equal opportunities to all gender, youth, members of all ethnic groups, persons with disabilities and minorities.

QUESTION: Given the higher retirement age for judges and professors at public universities, why is the same not extended to some cadres in the mainstream civil service? Githuku Mungai, Nairobi

ANSWER: Different occupations have varied physical, mental and emotional demands on the job holders and thereby necessitating setting of varying retirement ages. There are management considerations as well. Some job descriptions are extremely specialized and require extensive training and experience that the public service is keen to use to the full benefit of the country. Such personnel may be requested to continue serving for longer than usual. Enhancing the mandatory retirement age may increase individual pension benefits and reduce the pension expenditure in the short term. However, in the long run, it will pose challenges to the sustainability of the pension wage bill. Increasing the mandatory retirement age would also pose succession management challenges in the Public Service.

(Mandatory Retirement Age for Civil Servants is currently set at 60 years; Retirement age for Judges 70 years; Researchers/Scientists 65)

QUESTION: With the introduction of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions, what is the ranking order in Ministries? Githuku Mungai, Nairobi

 ANSWER: The Cabinet Secretaries are responsible for strategic policy formulation and direction in the assigned Ministries. The Chief Administrative Secretaries are responsible for supporting Cabinet Secretaries to better coordinate the running of the affairs of their respective Ministries/Departments.

QUESTION: On several occasions, a bill to entrench the two-thirds gender requirement has been brought to parliament and defeated. In your view, what has been manifestly wrong with the bills that have been defeated in parliament? Are we aiming at the sun when our arrow can hardly go past the stars? Francis Njuguna, Kibichoi

ANSWER: The not more than two thirds provision of the Constitution has contributed to a steady rise of women occupying various decision making positions. There are more women in Parliament and County Assemblies. For example, following the 2017 General Elections, women accounted for 33%. From the year 2009, women ministers were only 3 out of 20 compared to 7 women cabinet secretaries out of 21 cabinet secretaries in year 2020 translating to 33%. There has been remarkable progress within the Judiciary where women comprise 28.6% in Supreme Court; 36.8% in Court of Appeal; 48.8% in the High Court; and 53.5% of Magistrates. Also significant is that women are occupying strategic dockets given that for the first time in Kenya’s history we have the first female Auditor General while the positions of Budget Comptroller, Commission for Revenue Allocation and the Salaries and Revenue Commission are headed by Women. Within Parliament, Women are also heading important portfolios such as the National Assembly Finance Committee among others.

Whereas we have not achieved the desired number of women in Parliament, we should continue to work towards the realization of the not more than two thirds gender rule which has not been fully actualized 10 years into our Constitution. This will be significant progress reflecting the true face of Kenya given that today, women comprise 50.5% of the national population.

QUESTION: Last year your Ministry and that of the Treasury launched a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on the processing and payments of retired officers. My file was forwarded to the treasury on October 3, 2019, to date I have not been paid. I do regularly enquire and the response I get is that either the file is at audit level 1 or at the directorate. What could be the issue? Kaburu J. Mbogori

ANSWER: The Ministry of Public Service and Gender in consultation with the Treasury and the Public Service Commission launched a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) to fast track the processing and payment of pensions of retired officers. The initiative has yielded results and managed to clear pending cases. The Government is working on a robust ICT System in processing of pensions to ensure all pension claims are paid promptly. The delay in processing may be due to the manual nature of the process.

Mr Kaburu J. Mbogori’s case, among others, has been processed and is ready for payment.

QUESTION: Just a fortnight ago, we marked a decade since the promulgation of the constitution, a social contract which has been hailed because of the Bill of Rights which has wide-ranging entitlements to citizens. The Public Service is expected to be the dispensing point of these entitlements. However, numerous surveys have continued to portray a public service which holds tax-payers in contempt through corruption, delays, absenteeism, arrogance or all sorts of discrimination. Madam, what is your take on this observation and what legacy would you wish to leave in your ministry? Komen Moris, Eldoret

ANSWER: The Public Service in Kenya has served the country well, providing all the human resource needed for socio-economic development since independence. Indeed, Kenya Public Service is a successful global winner in innovative service delivery and provides benchmarks for best practice for governments in this region, including Southern African countries.

Despite these successes, the Service being a bureaucratic system, has over the years experienced difficulties in service delivery especially due to long processes and the manual nature of the same. Recognizing this, the Government in 2003 embarked on key reforms and introduced Results Based Management in the Service. These reforms aimed at transforming the service and making it citizen-centric, responsive, efficient and effective.  The reforms have continued over the years and ongoing reforms include Performance Management system; Strengthening of the Service through succession management, staff redistribution, rationalization of staff establishment, entry level recruitment, and promotion of competent and qualified staff. We are currently developing a masterplan on rare and critical skills in the Public Service and introducing uniform norms and standards to ensure consistency and harmony across the Public Service. Internally, we are enhancing staff welfare through provision of Civil Servants Medical Scheme, Introduction of a Group Life Policy, Contributory Pension to enhance retirement benefits.

To make the public services more accessible to citizens, the Government has instituted service digitization across the functional areas in the Public Service. Of note, is the establishment of the Huduma Kenya Programme. This is a One Stop Shop for highly sort public services. Currently, Huduma has on boarded about One Hundred and twelve (112) services in all the fifty two (52) Huduma Centres across the Republic.

Further, there are checks and balances that provide citizens avenues for recourse when they receive poor services among them, Commission on Administrative Justice, Customer Service Desks in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and various hotlines for complaint handling.

In terms of dealing with corruption, major reforms have been instituted, especially ensuring that there are Institutional Mechanisms to handle cases of corrupt public servants. 

QUESTION: A majority of our youth and women are in the informal employment sector which has been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them own and operate SMEs which require direct financial support to recover from the COVID-19 shocks. We have seen some international lenders like IFC providing millions of dollars to financial institutions to lend to these SMEs. Unfortunately, Kenya’s banking sector still requires collateral in the form of title deeds to advance credit, yet our youth and women do not have such collateral. What is your Ministry doing to ensure that the youth and women in this country are not discriminated by these financial institutions when seeking post COVID-19 recovery support, specifically, from the IFC multi-million-dollar loan? Elisha N Oduor, Nairobi

ANSWER: Kenya is working on a comprehensive strategy to boost recovery of women and youth led businesses that have suffered disruptions linked to COVID-19 pandemic.  The Government has developed an inventory of female and youth owned enterprises that have suffered due to the pandemic, to facilitate their bailout.

The women and youth led businesses will benefit from a stimulus package launched by the Government in April to bailout local start-ups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is being done through Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAS) within the Ministry, namely; Women Enterprise Fund, UWEZO Fund and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)

The Affirmative Action beneficiary groups have been encouraged to renegotiate the loan repayment terms with their respective Funds. The Ministry has also been encouraging groups to market their products online and has partnered with e-mobile to train groups on google to market their products and services.

Through Uwezo Fund over Ksh. 200 million loan funds have been dispersed to constituencies for loaning to groups. The Fund has further reviewed on the 50% repayment threshold on loaning to groups to allow constituencies issue loans.

Through WEF, existing borrowers are encouraged to apply for additional funding. Turnaround time in loan application process has also been reduced and repayment is by MPESA pay bill. The fund is addressing distressed borrowers on a case by case basis and implementing loan restructuring (moratorium and rescheduling loans for borrowers in distress).

From the beginning of this Financial Year the National Government Affirmative Action Fund has disbursed over Kshs. 1 billion to affirmative action groups for socio-economic empowerment projects and programmes in the counties.

The Government is also working on a bailout strategy with financial institutions such as IFC to restore the SMEs to profitability. Youth and women owned enterprises will benefit from LPO financing from commercial banks that have received credit from IFC.  The Government will also engage the financial institutions to see ways of relaxing the issue of collaterals to youth, women and PLWDs owned enterprises.

Upon the occurrence of COVID-19, His Excellency the President provided leadership in responding to the challenges facing the economy and in preparation for post pandemic recovery.

To cushion small businesses where majority of youth and women thrive, the President put in place fiscal measures to cushion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through reduction of the turnover tax rate from 3% to 1 % for all MSMEs.

As part of the 8-Point Economic Stimulus Programme, the Government has also allocated Ksh. 10 billion to fast track payment of outstanding VAT refunds and other pending payments. Further, to cushion MSMEs from the economic impact of COVID – 19, the Government provided Ksh. 3 billion as seed capital for Credit Guarantee aimed at providing them with affordable credit.

The whole world is going through extraordinary times due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensuing public health crisis has ravaged global economies and brought with it social, economic, health and psychological effects of unprecedented proportions. The impact has been felt in every socio-ecological sphere of life.

There is evidence showing that COVID-19 is exacerbating gender inequalities and violations of women’s and children’s rights the world over. This is due to restrictions in movement and social and physical distancing which have led to isolation where domestic violence thrives. The socio-economic costs have been equally devastating. Loss of jobs and family incomes has increased the burden of unpaid care work on women and girls, the population segment that culturally takes up the additional responsibility of caring for the sick, children and the elderly. The closure of schools has further increased girls’ vulnerability to sexual exploitation, defilement, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

In Kenya, the total number of Sexual Gender Based Violence cases reported through the National GBV toll-free helpline 1195, for the period January to December 2019 was 1,411. Between January and July, 2020 3,217 cases were recorded. This reflects a sharp increase from the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 when it increased by 33.7% and 50% by June 2020.The restrictive dusk to dawn curfew increased the vulnerability of women and girls owing to confinement with their abusers.

Following the increase of SGBV cases, the government has proactively moved to mitigate and de-escalate the vice. His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the National Crime Research Centre to carry out a focused study on Gender Based Violence and prepare an advisory for security agencies on action that can be taken in the prosecution of perpetrators. Kenya is also implementing a robust multi-agency acceleration plan to end Female Genital Mutilation in compliance with the Presidential Directive of ending the practice by 2022. At the regional level Kenya, has initiated a programme to end cross-border FGM in partnership with neighbouring Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia. The five countries have out-lawed and signed a landmark Regional Declaration to end FGM in the region.

Cognisant of the fact that the fight against Sexual Gender Based Violence cannot be won by a single agency, the government has created partnerships to synergize efforts. A multi-agency approach consisting of county governments, development partners and other non-state actors, under the auspices of the National and County Gender Sector Working Groups, has enhanced the effectiveness in implementing programmes on SGBV, Women Peace and Security and Female Genital Mutilation.

Through the National GBV toll-free helpline 1195, the Government is providing immediate assistance to survivors of SGBV through tele-counselling and referrals for medical and legal services. The helpline is also key in collecting and collating data on the number of cases reported to help inform policy and programming. Effectiveness of the program has inspired other government run helpines including National police helpline – 0800730999 and Child helpline -116.

Public education and awareness creation is another mitigation strategy that the government has employed. Using national and regional media, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) structure, and other stakeholders, the government has managed to enjoin men and boys as allies, advocates, role models, and change agents championing advocacy efforts against all forms of GBV.

While prevention remains the preferred maxim in this effort, some cases, unfortunately, are discovered too late and evacuation into safe spaces is required. Service providers’ have continually updated their directory and mapping of safe spaces and shelters to guide survivors and communities to support centres. Currently there are 36 shelters in 16 counties. The government has developed Gender Based Violence Recovery Centres (GBVRCs) guidelines for the establishment of the centres in all Level 5 hospitals across the country.

The government is also awake to the need for addressing the root causes of the vice in our society. While culture may account for some of the cases, poverty remains a key driving factor in the prevalence of SGBV and FGM. The Government economic stimulus programmes, particularly during the COVID-19 period is meant to cushion vulnerable groups which have lost their livelihoods. The President directed an appropriation of an additional Kshs. 10 billion as cash transfer to the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable individuals and households, to cushion them against negative economic effects of the pandemic. Government and other partners have provided Dignity kits with basic hygiene items to women, girls and boys.

The government has also moved to cushion the marginalized from the devastating effects of COVID-19 by scaling up affirmative action funds lending to women, youth and persons with disability. The upscaling has been phenomenal during the period with increased fund disbursements by Women Enterprise Fund (Kshs.1,065,100,000), Uwezo Fund (Kshs.319,465,953), Youth Enterprise Development Fund (Kshs.232,000,000) and National Government Affirmative Action Fund (Kshs.27,068,498).

With the welcome decline in COVID-19 infections, the country can now look forward to a post pandemic recovery period. It is incumbent on us all to ensure that all preventive, responsive and recovery measures being implemented through a rapid gender assessment will generate real time data to inform policy and programming during and after the pandemic and into the post-recovery period.

By Prof Margaret Kobia, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Public Service and Gender

The Ministry through the Affirmative action funds namely; Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Women Enterprise Fund on Monday 7th September disbursed cheques worth over Ksh 94 million to various youth, women and Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.

Presiding over the issuance of the Affirmative Fund Cheques in separate events held in Nairobi and Kiambu, Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh challenged the beneficiaries not to fear Government Affirmative Fund loans that has been provided for their economic empowerment.

Hon. Shebesh asked women, youth and PWDs to form groups and register in order to apply for the free interest and affordable loans which will enable them to expand their small enterprises.

“Government Affirmative funds is giving all the women, youth and PWDs who are not economically stable an opportunity to empower themselves and open small businesses in order to improve their livelihoods,” said Hon. Shebesh.

She urged the beneficiaries to borrow more loans after repaying what they have already been issued with in order to continue growing their businesses.

In Nairobi County, the CAS paid a courtesy call to Nairobi Regional Commissioner Mr James Kianda accompanied by her Ministry of Health counterpart Dr. Mercy Mwangangi where they deliberated on the Government projects within Nairobi Region and how to ensure effective service delivery to Wananchi.

In Kiambu County, Hon. Shebesh paid a courtesy call to Kiambu County Commissioner Mr. Wilson Wanyanga accompanied by Kiambu County Women Representative Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba and Affirmative Funds Board Chairpersons where they discussed on the disbursement of affirmative funds to beneficiary groups in the County.

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia yesterday chaired a virtual meeting of Commonwealth Ministers for Gender and Women’s Affairs on the impact of COVID-19.

The meeting that was also attended by Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland provided a platform for the Ministers to share their country’s experiences with COVID-19, and in particular, its impact on women, and how they are rebuilding in ways that take into account a gender-sensitive response. Further, it also focused on addressing the structural and systematic changes needed to tackle gender inequality as well as building back a better forward amid and post the pandemic.

Prof. Kobia started off the meeting by acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health issue but a profound shock to our societies and economies with women at the heart of care and response efforts. “In Kenya, women are playing a key role in responding to the pandemic as decision-makers, caregivers, frontline healthcare workers, community leaders and mobilisers, often at great risk to their health,” she said.

Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh presented the Kenyan Paper where she highlighted the impact of the pandemic on women and girls and the measures that the Government had undertaken to minimise suffering.

Like many other countries, Kenya has witnessed a rise in Gender-Based Violence cases as a result of COVID–19 pandemic. Hon. Shebesh noted that it is through the leadership of women in Kenya at various levels, state and non- state actors that Gender-Based Violence is an integral component of the COVID- 19 response. “We have strengthened the medical-legal response to GBV, enhanced and publicised the national toll-free helpline 1195 and rolled out a public awareness campaign on prevention and response to GBV,” she said.

Within the COVID 19 pandemic response, the Chief Administrative Secretary also highlighted that the Government had created employment for women and young people through local manufacturing of face masks especially those residing in informal settlements.

In her keynote address, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland noted that despite all the focus, effort and resource being expended to defeat the virus there is little attention on the diverse and devastating impact that the crisis is having upon women and girls. “Our purpose in convening this meeting is to start to address the distinctive and very particular impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having on women and girls,” she said.

The virtual meeting ended with a clarion call from the Chair and Secretary-General, Prof. Margaret Kobia and The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland respectively, for members to focus on setting up Ministerial Action Groups which was a key commitment made when the meeting was convened in Kenya last year.

The meeting was attended by 25 member states.

By Maurice Goga

An elderly woman from Garissa County on Wednesday 2^nd September quit Female Genital Mutilation practice by handing over her tools of trade to the Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh during a dialogue meeting held at the Government Guest House in Garissa town.

While handing over the tools, Ms. Galina Gurre from Yumata location vowed to be an Anti FGM champion and committed to work closely with Government agencies in sensitizing other cutters to realize the harmful effects that are caused by the cut.

While receiving the tools, Hon. Shebesh thanked the elderly woman for leading the way and being a good example to others who are still practising. She appealed to women from Garissa County and other Counties that practice FGM to down their tools and adhere to the law.

The Chief Administrative Secretary committed KES. 100,000 from Uwezo Fund as start up capital to assist Ms. Gurre to explore an alternative means of earning a livelihood.

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Hon. Shebesh issued a stern warning to Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs who will fail to deliver on the Presidential directive to end FGM by 2022 telling them that their days are numbered and that the law would catch up with them.

“This is a Presidential directive and it must be implemented. If you find it difficult, then let’s find someone who will replace you,” she said.

Ijara Constituency MP Hon. Sofia Abdi called on cultural and religious leaders to work with the Government to ensure that the harmful vice is eradicated.

Garissa County Commissioner, Mr. Mwangi Meru assured the Chief Administrative Secretary that he will do everything within his capacity to ensure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring FGM becomes a thing of the past.

The Chief Administrative Secretary was accompanied by Anti-FGM Board Chairperson, Mrs. Agnes Pareiyo, UNFPA Representative, Mr. Ademola Olajide among other National and County Government Officials.

By Brian Kochwa

National Youth Service (NYS) targets to generate Ksh. One billion annually up from the current Ksh. 40 million in agricultural production to boost food security in the Country.

Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye during her familiarization tour at NYS Yatta Complex, Machakos County on Monday 31^st August applauded NYS for their effort to boost food security in the Country.

“I want to commend the officers and servicemen for the good job they have done in these field stations. It is quite impressive, their efforts will go a long way in realization of the President’s Big Four Agenda on food security and nutrition,” she reiterated.

Mrs. Kimonye called for mechanization, use of modern farming technology and harvesting of rainwater for irrigation purposes, a move which she said will provide an opportunity for expansion of the field stations.

She noted that the Athi River NYS station if fully equipped with modern farming technology will be able to cultivate 3,396 acres of land for food production up from the current 300.

The Yatta Complex comprised of three NYS farming field stations namely; Mavoloni field unit, Athi River field unit and Yatta field unit which mainly engage in crop and livestock production.

The tour was an opportunity for the Principal Secretary to better understand the programmes currently being implemented at the field stations, the opportunities available and the challenges facing the field units for planning purposes.

At the Mavoloni field unit, which covers an area of 70 Ha, the PS toured the orchards, maize and banana plantations as well as the horticultural unit. She also toured the livestock production unit which comprises of both ranching and zero grazing.

In Athi River field station the Principal Secretary toured the pawpaw and avocado farm where grafting of local and imported varieties is being carried out, as well as the horticultural section which also has Green-house farming for vegetables, beans, tomatoes among other plants.

The Yatta station houses the Yatta School of Agriculture and School of Plant Operators and Mechanics which offer technical support to TVET institutions such as Meru Ploytechnic, Nkabane Technical and Kiirua Technical. Also supports the Yatta Academy and Huduma Secondary School.

The Principal Secretary was accompanied by the Principal Administrative Secretary, Mr. Steve Ndele, Secretary Administration, Mr. Muktar Abdi among other officials from the Ministry and NYS.

By Andrew Ishepai

Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia, on Wednesday 26th August committed to continue strengthening the capacity of public service to deliver on H.E. President, Uhuru Kenyatta’s commitment to end FGM by 2022.

Prof. Kobia made her remarks as she held a meeting with cultural and religious elders who are working with the ministry on the End FGM Programme.

She emphasized on the need to be on high alert and protect girls during the COVID-19 pandemic period because they are at high risk of FGM. “Schools have been a safe haven for children. They are now exposed and are at very high risk of not only being subjected to FGM but are also at high risk of early and forced child marriage, rape and teenage pregnancy,” she said.

Prof. Kobia further called on parents and guardians to be the first duty bearers of their children and take responsibility to protect them against cultural practices that violate their rights.

She commended the Kenya School of Government for the steady increase in the number of public servants who are undertaking training and the development infrastructure geared towards creating a conducive learning environment.

She kick started the Greening Initiative in the Institution which is part of the Government’s on going project to plant 1.8 billion trees and achieve more than 10% forest cover in the country by 2022.

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The Cabinet Secretary also unveiled 15 newly built residential cottages at the Kenya School of Government, Baringo Campus. Later on, Prof. Kobia issued Affirmative Funds from Women Enterprise Fund worth Ksh.8 million to various women groups in Baringo County. She also donated dignity kits for girls, masks and shukas.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Mrs. Mary Kimonye, Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service, Prof. Ludeki Chweya, Director General Kenya School of Government, Mrs. Agnes Pareyio, Anti-FGM Board Chairperson,Mr. Henry Wafula, Baringo County Commissioner, Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Titus Lotee, CEO National Government Affirmative Action Fund among other national and county officials.

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Principal Secretary, Prof. Collette Suda has called on Affirmative funds beneficiaries to repay the loans on time in order to allow others to benefit.

Prof. Suda made her remarks on on Saturday 22nd while she presided over the issuance of Uwezo Fund cheques worth over Ksh. 1.4 million to various groups of youth, women and Persons with Disabilities in Rongo Constituency, Migori County.

She asked the beneficiaries to explore alternative income generating activities in order to be able to repay the loans which stands at 23% repayment rate in the County.

“Uwezo Fund is a revolving fund that you need to pay back within the given period of time for others who have applied to benefit. The Government Affirmative funds aims at empowering the vulnerable groups to improve their economic status,” said Prof. Suda.

She noted that many businesses have been hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic which they continue to record losses that will make it hard for beneficiaries to repay back the loans.

The Principal Secretary condemned the increase in teenage pregnancies which interferes with the girls’ education and their future. She asked parents to guide and teach their children.

She further urged men to protect women and girls during COVID-19 pandemic from the rising cases of Gender Based Violence which has continued to be recorded in the Country.

The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Uwezo Fund CEO, Mr. Peter Lengapiani, among other National and County officials.