Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga has told 350 interns who have been selected to work in the County government for the next one year, to utilize the opportunity as a stepping stone into future careers.
Dr Mutahi who was presiding over the induction ceremony for the new interns at the Nyeri Cultural Center, said such opportunities rarely come twice in life and as such one should utilize them to the optimum for future personal advancement.
The training was facilitated by officers from Human Resource Management, Payroll, the County Public Service Board, the Data Protection Commission and the County Attorney’s Office.
“I urge the interns to view this opportunity not only as a stepping stone in their careers, but also as a chance to contribute meaningfully to the people of Nyeri, through quality and responsible service delivery. The induction programme provided the interns with essential knowledge on the operations of the County Government. May they gain valuable experience, build lasting professional skills and emerge better prepared for the opportunities ahead,” said Dr Kahiga.
Dr Kahiga singled out the intake as one of the most notable ones in the County with the number of those selected rising from 200 in 2025 to 350 this year.
He said the intake demonstrates the commitment of his government in addressing youth unemployment in the County through programs that grant young people an opportunity to serve the public as they await formal recruitment in the coming days.
The Governor gave the selection process that was used to pick the candidates a ‘clean bill of health’ and said it was done in a fair and transparent manner devoid of any favouritism.
“This year’s cohort represents an increase from the previous 200 interns to 350, providing more young people with an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and understand the responsibilities that come with serving the public,” he told the cohorts who form the 7th Cohort of interns in the County.
“I congratulate the successful interns for emerging from a rigorous, transparent and fair selection process, and encourage them to embrace the opportunity with commitment, discipline, integrity and a strong spirit of service.”
Among the topics the interns were taken through during the induction session included devolved government structures and County Government Acts, Human Resource Policies and Procedures, Data Security, National Values, Public Ethics and Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile Kahiga has called upon education stakeholders to partner in addressing the declining standards of learning in the County.
Speaking during a County Education Board forum, Wednesday, Kahiga said the falling enrolment levels in senior secondary schools in the County were alarming and should be treated as a matter of urgency.
He said the situation was worrying at a time when both the National and County government had invested both finances and physical infrastructure, to help improve the learning environment for both learners and teachers.
“This is not merely about numbers. It is about ensuring that the investments made by the Government, communities, sponsors and parents are fully utilized for the benefit of our children.
Nyeri has a proud history of academic excellence, discipline, strong school leadership and dedicated teachers. We must work together to reclaim and strengthen that legacy,” he posted on his Facebook page after the meeting.
“Every stakeholder has a role to play, including Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly, education officers, principals, teachers, Boards of Management, parents, communities and sponsors.”
To address the challenge, the Governor has called for an audit of the existing gaps in public schools, to help unearth the root cause of the problem.
In addition, he said any deliberations and recommendations must, however, be guided by evidence, equity, sustainability and above all the best interests of the learners.
He promised to partner with like-minded stakeholders, ensuring the County reclaims its position nationally as a county synonymous with quality education and academic excellence.
“We must assess each affected school, understand the reasons behind declining enrolment and develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Some schools can be revitalized and repositioned as centres of excellence, while in cases where senior-school enrolment may not be sustainable, existing infrastructure can be explored for alternative productive use, including supporting junior secondary education. Our decisions must be guided by evidence, equity, sustainability and, above all, the best interests of our children.” emphasized Dr Kahiga.
By Samuel Maina
