The Ministry
of Interior and National Administration took a significant step toward
enhancing grassroots governance and inclusive service delivery by convening a
national validation forum for the Draft National Government Village
Administration Policy and Draft Regulations on the Establishment of
Administrative Units.
The event,
held in Nairobi, brought together national and county government officials,
civil society, interfaith groups, community leaders, and the public.
Presiding
over the forum, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National
Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, lauded the progress made over the past two
years in reforming local administration and law enforcement.
He cited the
professionalisation of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), the
modernisation of the police service, and the introduction of new administrative
units.
“If I were
to exit public service today, I would do so with my head held high,” Dr. Omollo
stated.
He
emphasised that the ongoing reforms are not mere policy artefacts but enduring
legacies that will transform governance at the grassroots for generations.
The PS
underscored the improved working conditions of grassroots administrators,
chiefs, assistant chiefs, and village elders, who are now better remunerated
and resourced to serve wananchi with dignity and integrity.
He noted
that these reforms have aligned village administration with national security
frameworks, strengthened dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhanced
community-level planning and service delivery.
Dr.
Omollo also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming feedback received from
the public through nationwide town halls, online portals, and workshops,
acknowledging that the policy and regulations reflect the true aspirations of
communities.
“We are humbled
by the feedback and views received, and today’s validation exercise is not just
a formality. It is a moment of consensus-building to ensure these instruments
technically and legally reflect the wishes of Kenyans,” he said.
He extended
gratitude to civil society organisations for championing the voices of
vulnerable and marginalised communities, and to development partners and
private sector players for their technical and financial support throughout the
drafting process.
The final
drafts of the policy and regulations, incorporating stakeholder feedback from
today’s forum, will be prepared and submitted for formal approval.
