By K, KNA
The government has resumed large-scale training for National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) with 1,000 chiefs currently undergoing the programme for the first time since 2018 and another 1,000 set to join next month in a renewed drive to strengthen grassroots administration.
Speaking during the 25th edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots forum at the Kericho County Commissioner’s residence, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the training is aimed at enhancing leadership, preparing officers for promotions and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
Murkomen also unveiled a merit-based promotion plan targeting police constables aged over 50, sergeants with more than 15 years of service, and inspectors who have served in rank for over a decade saying the initiative will address career stagnation and reward long-serving officers who have demonstrated dedication and integrity.
“As part of our ongoing reforms to boost the morale of our officers and improve the quality of our policing, we will ensure that those who have given years of committed service are recognized and elevated,” he said.
The CS further announced that the government is modernizing police stations, upgrading operational equipment, and improving living conditions to provide a safe and dignified working environment for officers noting that these measures are critical in improving police efficiency and public trust.
The forum drew participation from youth, women, persons with disabilities, clergy, business leaders, security officials, and local elected leaders, who presented proposals on combating second-generation alcohol, tackling gender-based violence, ending child defilement, resolving land disputes, and fighting narcotics.
Murkomen praised Kericho as one of the most peaceful counties in the country, crediting the strong working relationship between security agencies, administrative officers, and the public, but cautioned that emerging threats require constant vigilance.
The CS also inspected the ongoing national identity card registration exercise at the County Commissioner’s grounds, urging young people to take advantage of the 22 registration centres in the county and mobile registration units deployed to remote villages emphasising that the government has waived all application fees for first-time applicants to remove financial barriers.
“Without an ID card, you cannot vote, apply for jobs, or access government services. We have brought these services closer so that no eligible person is left behind,” he said.
Murkomen noted that the mobile units have already reached Kipkelion, Londiani, and Bureti sub-counties, enabling hundreds of people including older persons who have never held IDs to register.
He explained that proper identification is critical for national planning and security, helping to combat crime, fraud, and other illegal activities.
The CS was accompanied by Registration Bureau Secretary Christopher Wanjau, Secretary National Administration Moses Lilan, and Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, who all expressed confidence that Kericho will record one of the highest registration rates nationally.
Residents interviewed at the County Commissioner’s grounds welcomed the reforms, saying the free issuance of IDs and the accessibility of mobile units had made the process faster and more convenient.
Murkomen’s visit to Kericho included security consultations, public engagements, and the official opening of the 25th Jukwaa la Usalama forum, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a citizen-centred security approach built on professionalism, accessibility, and trust.