Archives 2020

Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh has condemned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice being undertaken in Taita Taveta County especially on infants as young as a day old baby.

In her address to the local administration officers in Taveta County on Tuesday 14^th, Hon. Shebesh affirmed that the Law is clear and has punitive obligations on such gross practice on children and called on the administrators and stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators of FGM are brought to book.

Taita Taveta County has an FGM prevalence rate of 22% among the 22 Hotspot counties where the vice is being practiced. Worrying has been the trend on the acts aforementioned.

“We can’t have our innocent baby girls subjected to FGM, it’s not worth discussing, the recourse is, we must arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and safe guard our girls,” said Hon. Shebesh.

Meanwhile, she directed the Anti FGM Board to come up with amendments to the law so as to include sections that will address FGM being practiced on infants. Coming to further offer support towards the drafting of a County Bill that further enhances the ANTI-FGM.

The CAS wound up her working itinerary by presenting Affirmative Fund Cheques from Women Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund worth over Ksh 20 Million to various groups in Taita Taveta County before visiting Wundanyi Huduma Centre to assess its level of service delivery where she presented Certificates of recognition to staff members who have been on duty since Covid-19 first case was announced by the Government.

The CAS was accompanied by Anti-FGM board Chairperson, Agnes Pareiyo, UNFPA Country Representative Mr. Ademola Olajide, Taita Taveta Women Representative Hon. Lydia Haita and Taita DCC, Mr. David Kiprop.

Cabinet Secretary Prof Margaret Kobia today joined leading global entrepreneurs in the virtual launch of an application that will connect women businesses with partners across the globe. The App will act as an empowerment tool to support women in online learning, access to business skills and business partnerships. The App aims to ultimately expand business access and cushion women led businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, and beyond.

“HerVenture”, the app, was launched jointly by leading global courier DHL and Cherie Blair Foundation. In her contribution during the launch the Cabinet Secretary noted that the pandemic had affected women globally in that it had led to loss of incomes, and increased their work load as caregivers in the homes. Socially, the pandemic had contributed to the escalation of Gender Based Violence, particularly in intimate partner abuse. 

Prof Kobia shared Kenya’s experience and actions in mitigating the effects of the pandemic noting that the country has made institutional, policy and programmatic interventions aimed at cushioning the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the community. She underscored the importance of affirmative action funds in cushioning the effects of the pandemic on women. 

She singled out creation of partnerships between government, private sector and other stakeholders as one of the most effective ways of mitigating the effects of the pandemic. The Cabinet Secretary praised the joint launch of the App by the DHL and Cherie Blaire Foundation as one of the partnership creation strategies that has proved effective in addressing other women empowerment programs.

Other speakers during the launch included the foundation founder Cherie Blaire and the CEO of DHL Worldwide John Pearson, among others.   

Following H.E the President’s directive on ease of movement restrictions, State Department for Public Service Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye on Friday 10^th July called on all public servants to resume official duty with strict observance of the Ministry of Health guidelines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs. Kimonye visited Laikipia and Meru Huduma Centres to take stock of the safety measures in place as part of the phased approach and the preparedness of the centres for resumption of normal services and officially announced resumption of all services at all our Huduma Centres countrywide.

At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya, the Government scaled-down services in all the centres from 112 services to 2 services: collection of ID’s and Birth certificates, as part of the Government’s Strategy in curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.

However, the centers have continued to serve customers online via the Huduma contact center and social media channels and rolled out at least 25 end-to-end services online in a bid to ensure that wananchi can access services virtually during the Covid-19 period.

To allow for continuation of critical services and highly sought-after services by the citizens, Huduma centres have resumed: Application of Duplicate ID, Application of Birth Certificates, Police Abstract services, NHIF Services, Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct), KRA Services and NTSA-Smart Driving License.

These services will be offered whilst adhering to all safety protocols directed by the Government, including wearing masks, providing sanitizers and installing hand washing stations for customers in the centres across the country.

The Principal Secretary applauded the Centre Managers and the Huduma Centre Staff for the excellent work done during the Covid-19 Pandemic in ensuring service delivery to the citizens is satisfactory.

Mrs. Kimonye emphasized the need to prioritize customer and staff safety. “All staff will strictly adhere to WHO and Ministry of Health guidelines as they discharge services at all times. Online services continue through the contact centre: 020 6900020 and through social media,” she said.

She noted that Huduma Kenya Secretariat will be working with Agencies under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to establish mechanisms to clear the backlog for the following services: National Identity Cards and Birth Certificates.

The PS handed over Huduma Centre Guidelines, Labels for Social Distancing in the Centres, sanitizers and received donations of 104 hand-washing basins from Silverspread Hardware, a local business in Meru that will be distributed to all 52 Huduma Centres countrywide.

During her visit, Mrs. Kimonye was accompanied by Huduma Kenya CEO, Mr. James Buyekane among other Huduma Kenya Secretariat officials.

Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia on Thursday 9th, July handed over food and non-food items to COVID-19 Response Committees in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties to cushion vulnerable households during this period.

Addressing residents while  accompanied by the respective county commissioners, Prof. Kobia noted that the impact of Covid-19 global pandemic is affecting every part of our society and a partnership approach is needed to respond to the emerging challenges.

She lauded partners from the County Government, the National Government, the private sector, and NGOs for providing donations to cushion the vulnerable households from the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cabinet Secretary commended Maendeleo ya Wanawake for providing the national network that will ensure the donations reach the most vulnerable women in our society.

“National Government has put in place various interventions to combat Covid-19 pandemic and the National Emergency Response Committee has been coordinating efforts to mitigate the pandemic together with other state and non-state actors,” said Prof. Kobia.

She appealed to the communities in FGM hotspot Counties to support H.E the President’s call to end FGM in Kenya by 2022. She urged for expedited prosecution of the perpetrators of GBV who continue to violate the rights of innocent girls and women.

On her part, Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye called on all public servants to continue discharging their mandate while strictly observing the laid down protocols on combating the Covid-19 global pandemic.
She said in the post-Covid paradigm, public service delivery is going digital which opens up opportunities for youth to serve.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake National Chairperson, Mrs. Rahab Mwikali challenged parents to pay keen attention to their responsibilities now that children are squarely under their care.

She called on religious leaders to teach right morals to repair the broken social moral fabric which has led to unprecedented teenage pregnancies.
Mwikali nostalgically recalled that Tharaka Nithi County was the first one to introduce alternative rite of passage to FGM in the 1990s. She challenged county leaders to upscale the rite and use it to achieve H.E the President’s commitment of End FGM by 2022.

The items handed over included kits, buckets, masks, bar soaps, lessos, rice, beans and fortified health foods. Donors included UNFPA, WEF, UWEZO Fund, Kenya Pipeline Company and Ministry of Devolution and ASALS.

The Cabinet Secretary also presided over the issuance of Affirmative Action Fund cheques from the Women Enterprise Fund worth Kshs.34.15 million to 135 women groups and Uwezo fund worth Kshs. 19.19 million to 238 groups in Meru County. In Tharaka Nithi County Women Enterprise Fund disbursed cheques worth Kshs. 11.45 million to 38 women groups and UWEZO Fund disbursed Ksh 5.9 million to 93 groups to cushion women businesses and their families during this time of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Other leaders present included Tharaka Nithi Governor, Muthomi Njuki, UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Ademola Olajide, and Bishop Silas Mugambi among other local leaders.

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Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia on Wednesday 8th officiated the handover of food and non-food items donated by various organizations to women leaders at the NYS Headquarters, Ruaraka.

The women leaders have been entrusted with the distribution of the items to the most vulnerable families across the country, with special focus on women.

In her remarks, Prof. Kobia lauded the women leaders for providing support to women and girls who are faced with a crisis during Covid-19 pandemic.

She noted that the Government has announced policy measures including the establishment of Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Programme which targets the vulnerable groups and called on women leaders to take action in order to cushion and protect women and girls at this time when they are most vulnerable.

“The caring role in society falls upon us as women and mothers. Women are the primary caregivers to communities and families in times of crisis,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

Prof. Kobia applauded H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta for directing action on  Gender Based Violence and the rising cases of teenage  pregnancies arguing that it will make the domestic space safer for all, including women and girls.

Also, read: NYS Launches Strategic Plan and Unveils Innovation Projects

Further the CS, indicated that the Ministry through the Affirmative Action Funds has fast tracked release of funds to cushion women enterprises since the month of March, whereby Ksh. 694 Million loans have been processed from the Women Enterprise Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

The institutions who have given the donations flagged off today include: Kenya Pipeline Company, National Youth Service, UNFPA, Women Enterprise Fund and Uwezo Fund.

Among leaders present during the event were Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh, Director General – National Youth Service, Matilda Sakwa, UN Women Representative, Anna Mutavati, Chairperson, NGAAF Prof. Wanjiku Kabira, Chairperson, WEF Ms. Njoki Kahiga and MP, Kandara Constituency Hon. Alice Wahome among other women leaders and partners.

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On Tuesday, the Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia hosted her cabinet colleague for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Mr. Joe Muhceru during the unveiling of the National Youth Service (NYS) innovations and launch of Strategic Plan 2019/2020-2023/2024 at the NYS Headquarters Ruaraka, Nairobi. 

In her remarks, Prof. Kobia congratulated the NYS leadership for their efforts in the realization of the Strategic Plan. 

She urged the Council and Management to ensure that the implementation of programmes is carried out in accordance to the strategic plan.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the establishment of a commercial arm within the NYS, affords the Service the opportunity to engage in various enterprises as a source of revenue generation needed to enhance the sustainability of NYS programmes and projects.

Also, read on: Chief Administrative Secretary Inspects Ministry Programs and Disburses Affirmative Funds in Seven Counties

Prof. Kobia observed that the current challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic has seen NYS taking the frontline role in responding to the pandemic. 

Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru in his address lauded the NYS smart innovation of an electric tuk-tuk and handcart which he termed environmentally friendly. The innovations will provide a low-cost individualized transport alternative for SMEs and those who do not own private vehicles.

He said African economy depends on countries’ entrepreneurs being able to absorb and creatively adapt technological knowledge and innovation since entrepreneurship serves as a catalyst in industrialization and economic growth.

“The uniqueness of this innovation we are launching today is that it brings together key ecosystem actors that lead to successful growth of start-ups globally,” said CS Mucheru.

Mr. Mucheru maintained that the Government will always focus to create an enabling environment that supports innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers to step out and explore.

During the occasion, various partners gave donations to assist the vulnerable groups affected by Covid-19. Among these were Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Kenya Pipeline Corporation, UNFPA, and Ministry of Devolution among others.

Leaders present included Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh (Public Service and Gender), Principal Secretaries Mary Kimonye (Public Service), Prof. Collette Suda (Gender), and Julius Korir (Youth Affairs); Director General – National Youth Service, Matilda Sakwa and UNFPA Country Representative, Ademola Olajide among other government officials and partners.

Past event: Public Service Prepares For Africa Public Service Day 2020

END.

Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh conducted a two-week inspection tour of the ministry’s programs in seven counties in the Western and Central regions. In the seven counties, Ms. Shebesh visited Huduma Centres, the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ program, and the Rehabilitation of the Kisumu port and Central Kenya railway line system. At the same time, the CAS facilitated disbursement of a total of Kshs 255 Million from the ministry’s Affirmative Funds.

Her visit to Huduma Centres was meant to assess their preparedness as they plan to resume delivery of services following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She toured the National Hygiene program dubbed ‘Kazi Mtaani’ in the counties. Kazi Mtaani is a national initiative under the supervision of the NYS. It aims to cushion youth whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The NYS is also engaged in the rehabilitation of the Kisumu port and the Central line of the old railway system.    

During her Western region tour, the CAS inspected operations of ‘Kazi Mtaani’ in Obunga, Manyatta, Nyalenda, and visited Kisumu Port. In Nakuru County, Hon. Shebesh inspected the ongoing ‘Kazi Mtaani’ program and disbursed over Kshs 28 million to vulnerable groups from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). 

In the Central region, the CAS visited NYS Tumaini field station in Nyandarua County where the NYS runs a potato seedlings production project. She called for an increase in the production of certified seedlings and provision of the same to Nyandarua farmers to cushion them during the pandemic period. 

In her discussions with the County leadership, she noted the rise of Gender-Based Violence cases during the Covid-19 period and urged the leadership to use existing National and County government’s structures to set up Gender-Based Violence (GBV) recovery facilities and safe houses to help GBV victims.

In Kiambu, Hon. Shebesh assessed the progress made with the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ project, the railway rehabilitation works in Kiandutu, Thika Town, and Kariminu, and presided over the issuance of Affirmative Action Funds worth Kshs 89 Million to various groups of Youth, Women, and Persons with Disabilities. In Murang’a County she disbursed over Kshs 57 Million. In Nyeri County, the CAS disbursed funds worth over Kshs 63 million. In Laikipia County,  she disbursed over Kshs 18 Million and challenged the residents to take advantage of the government interest friendly loans. 

She noted that the launch of phase two of ‘Kazi Mtaani’ program would provide a lifeline to 200,000 jobless youth across the country while imparting discipline and life skills under the supervision of the  NYS officers.

In all her stops the CAS interacted with the NYS servicemen and women and encouraged them to continue making their valuable contribution to national development.

The nation will next week celebrate the Africa Public Service Day on 23^rd June.

Celebrated every year across Africa, the day serves as a platform for Public Service organizations to showcase and reward excellence in the Public Service in order to promote and sustain quality in service delivery. The day was set aside by the African Union for public service organizations to reflect on the successes and challenges within the public service and ponder on plausible mitigating measures to address service delivery challenges.

Kenya has this year selected the theme: “Entrenching Good Governance: Developing Transparent and Accountable Public Institutions, which resonates with the 2020 African Union theme “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development”. 

In line with the prevailing situation occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic and emerging natural disasters among them floods and locusts, the national celebrations for this year will focus on responses to these challenges.

“This year’s celebrations will be unique in that it challenges the way we deliver public services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has forced service organizations world over to be innovative and adapt new ways of doing business,” said Prof. Margaret Kobia, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender, as she expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s event. She further said that, “even in the wake of challenges posed by COVID -19, continuity and sustainability of excellence in public service delivery remains a priority for government

This year’s events will focus on activities that support the vulnerable citizens in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic; environmental conservation, particularly on tree planting in line with the President’s express commitment to achieve 10%  forest cover by 2022; and recognition of public service innovations and citizen engagement.

Specific activities organized by the State Department for Public Service include donations to vulnerable members of the public, tree planting and environmental cleanup activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and other stakeholders, among them county governments and National Administration. Cabinet Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will lead their respective ministries and state departments in the tree planting exercise in various designated sites across the country.

The Nation’s Public Service sector has organized forums for Citizen engagement through a series of online interactions and public discourses led by renowned scholars and public figures.

The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender Prof. Margaret Kobia, urged Public Institutions in the National and County Governments to take part in the various activities that have been planned to mark the celebrations in line with their respective mandates.

“This year provides a unique opportunity for publice service to demonstrate sensitivity to challenges facing society and to re-double our efforts in serving the citizens while adhering to ethos and principles of public service,” said the Principal Secretary for State Department for Public Service, Mrs. Mary Kimonye.

As part of the celebrations, Ministries have been requested to identify and recognize Public Service Agencies, institutions and individuals that have applied innovation and excelled in public service delivery while serving in the frontlines of Covid-19 mitigation efforts. Download PDF

See more about APSD 2019 ( African Public Service Day 2019 ) Held in Kenya.

The State Department for Public Service Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye held a meeting with the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Huduma Kenya Mr. James Buyekane and Heads of Departments to welcome the new CEO and also discuss precautionary measures put in place to ensure that essential services to Wananchi at Huduma centres all over the country do not grind to a halt.

In recognition of the critical role Huduma Kenya plays within the Vision 2030 flagship project in Public Service, the new CEO’s top agenda is to ensure sustainability of the program bearing in mind the resources available and meeting the service delivery targets for the Country.

In her remarks, the Principal Secretary noted that Huduma Kenya is the face of Government and as the greatest interface with Kenyans therefore there’s need to ensure that the service delivery points are safe. She reiterated the need for the CEO to utilize his networking skills for purposes of bringing on board all sector players and garnering their support.

Although the Centers are open, members of the public are advised to physically visit the centers only to access urgent and essential services. Mrs. Kimonye directed the CEO to ensure that the Centers are equipped with hand washing basins and sanitizers to increase safety.

Mr. Buyekane assured the Principal Secretary of his commitment towards enhancing customer service and improving service delivery.