Nyandarua County Commissioner (CC) has Abdirisack Jaldesa has underscored the importance of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in actualizing the objectives, outlined on the five pillars of the Bottom- UP Economic Transformation Agenda(BETA) for empowerment of citizens.
Jaldesa said goverment officials were key in translating the policies into actionable information for local citizens through public barazas.
This, he said, is because the administrators from Regional Commissioners, all the way to Assistant Chiefs and even village elders, engage actively with the communities they serve on daily basis.
“This means, as administrators you are not just there to hear people voices, but you must also seek to understand their needs through comprehensive assessments. By conducting participatory development planning, we ensure that our strategies reflect the realities on the ground,” noted Jaldesa
The CC was speaking during the official opening of a two- day forum for Sensitization on Monitoring, Evaluation and Tracking of National Government Programmes and Presidential Directives in Olkalou, Nyandarua County.
He further noted that their duty as NGAOs is to foster an environment where community members feel valued and heard, adding, “This sensitization exercise will sharpen our shared tools, language and standards of reporting, while ensuring One Government, One Plan, One Delivery framework.”
Jaldesa reiterated that the success of BETA in Nyandarua County and the larger central region and the credibility of government at the grassroots, depended on how well the local administration tracks delivery and how quickly they act on what they see.
“Let us work together, hand in hand with the citizens to ensure that the fruits of economic development are not just enjoyed by a few, but are shared equitably across our region,” he added.
The Regional Director, Government Delivery Service, in charge of Nairobi and Central Regions, Jonah Olomoi said NGAOs and other players in BETA are ambassadors of government projects and programs and urged them to ensure the government agenda is cascaded to grassroots level.
Olomoi underscored the importance of NGAOs and all stakeholders working closely together to ensure smooth implementation of government projects, as well as not shying away from reporting any challenges they face for timely redress.
This, he said, would ensure government directives are promptly implemented, with tangible evidence of development at the grassroots.
The two day sensitization workshop, which concluded Saturday, brought together national government officials and agencies implementing BETA.
By Kimani Tirus & Antony Mwangi
