Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to closely supervise the implementation of government programmes and projects in their areas of jurisdiction.
Gachagua said the officers are representatives of President William Ruto on the ground and must assume the responsibility of ensuring the projects do not stall under their watch and are delivered as planned.
“It is your responsibility to protect the dignity of the person of the President. When the President has launched a project and the contractor has abandoned the site after one week, the dignity of the person of the President is put into question," said the DP.
"You have a responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen and if it happens, you must inform the respective Principal Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for necessary interventions to be made.”
He spoke at Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete on Tuesday when he accompanied Ruto for an engagement with the officers drawn across the country.
The DP said the officers must take a keen interest and monitor the progress of the projects for faster implementation and realisation of their objectives.
“You are the ear and the eye of the President at the grassroots. You represent the President in his personal and official capacity. When government programmes are not going well and you are quiet, you have let the President down," added Gachagua.
"Take a keen interest in all government programmes going on in your areas of jurisdiction irrespective of the ministry, because you represent the President.”
The DP also appreciated the work done by the officers in combating drugs and illicit brews.
He said the war had been successful because of their coordination and input.
He also praised them for coordinating the registration of farmers and distribution of subsidised fertiliser.
“The fight against illicit brews has been successful and we are getting testimonies from women and young people on the great job you have done. Keep it up and don’t let your guard down,” he said.
He also thanked them for ensuring the success of the Inua Jamii Programme and in the distribution of relief food at the time of emergencies.