You are government's eye on the ground - NEP commissioner tells chiefs

Northeastern regional commissioner John Otieno has emphasised that chiefs and their assistants have an integral role to play in matters of security and monitoring government projects.

Addressing the National Government Administration Officers on Monday, the commissioner said they remain the government’s eye on the ground.

“Chiefs, assistant chiefs and the national administrative officers in general are the face of the government in their jurisdictions and are responsible for coordinating all national government functions and projects,” Otieno said.

“The Ngao has been directed to closely monitor the implementation and progress of government projects and policies on various programmes.”

This comes at a time when Kenyans are calling for accountability of taxpayers’ money spent on projects across the country.

He called on the local administration to engage the public on the ongoing projects to ensure their success. 

“In this region we have various projects like the Affordable Housing Programme, Universal Healthcare being rolled out and even the shift to SHIF, whose registration is ongoing. Chiefs have a role to sensitise the members of the public so that they can enrol as beneficiaries.” 

Registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund is currently ongoing.

The Fund is set to take effect on October 1.

The administration should communicate the importance of national government policies such as the primary health care and the emergency chronic and critical illness funds, to ensure citizens understand their benefits, Otieno added. 

Chiefs were also tasked to convene community peace meetings especially during the coming dry season, where there may be conflicts over pasture and water.

Otieno asked the chiefs to work with security agencies and gather and act on intelligence so that members of the public can go about their business without worrying.

“You are now under strict scrutiny and you must deliver knowing that you are the government's eyes on the ground. You should be on the forefront in identifying all illegal activities, including the presence of aliens, contraband goods, sympathisers of al Shabaab militants and al Shabaab themselves,” he said.

The commissioner noted that cases of insecurity reported in recent weeks have decreased, following enhanced security measures put in place by the regional and county committees.

The meeting, held at Garissa’s government guest house, brought together the county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, deputy and assistant  commissioners, chiefs and their assistants.