Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga has directed officers from the County Inspectorate Department to uphold professionalism while serving the public as one way of safeguarding the image of the unit.
Speaking during the opening of a training workshop for the officers at the Wambugu Agricultural Training Centre yesterday, Dr. Kahiga said the unit should always be at the forefront in responding to the needs of the public whenever duty calls.
Terming the 20-day training workshop as a new chapter towards building a more professional, disciplined and responsive enforcement team, the county boss said he was confident the course would transform the officers into accountable, decisive and effective team leaders.
“This marks a new chapter for Nyeri County as we work toward building a more professional, disciplined, and responsive enforcement team. This training, therefore, comes at the right time as we continue to strengthen our enforcement systems to support our broader development agenda – whether it is in urban planning, revenue enhancement and business compliance,” said Kahiga.
Areas the officers will be taken through during the County Initial Enforcement Course include enforcement drills and discipline, management and leadership, criminal law, county laws, public relations, disaster management and interpersonal communication.
The governor also underscored the need for the officers to uphold tenets of civility while dealing with members of the public, which he said is one way of winning the confidence and heart of any investors.
He said gone are days when officers from the inspectorate department (infamously known as ‘kanjus’) were synonymous with acts of ruthlessness while dealing with business operators, and as such, the trainees should ensure there is order, cleanliness, safety and dignity in both urban and market spaces.
“I made it clear that our approach is corrective, not punitive. We want compliance without conflict and order without fear. Our officers are the face of the county, and their engagement with the public must be rooted in integrity and emotional intelligence,” he stressed.
“We are building an inspectorate that is service-oriented, people-centred, and respected by the public. I challenged every officer to be an ambassador of this vision.”
The government also promised to continue improving the welfare of the officers and their working environment as one way of enhancing their performance.
In doing so, Kahiga said, the county will not only have an effective and efficient inspection team but also one that is in touch with the needs of the masses.
“As an administration, we are committed to improving the inspectorate’s working conditions and tools. In return, our focus remains on tangible results and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Our approach as a government is not punitive – it is corrective and service –oriented. We want compliance, not conflict. We want order, not fear. We want a system where wananchi feel respected even as the law is enforced,” he said.
By Samuel Maina
