WEZESHA A Publication of the Ministry of Public Service, Youth & Gender Affairs

Issue No.6/2018

Inside this Issue

• H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, new Global Youth Champion • CS in Kandara, Murang'a • National Youth Service restructuring kicks off • CAS in Coast Region • National Youth Policy review • Huduma saves Kenyans KES. 343 Million • UNFPA & UNICEF courtesy call with CS • APSD 2019 Workshop From The Cabinet Secretary's Desk

Dear Team,

The lead story in our current Ministry newsletter is on the endorsement His Excellency, Uhuru Kenyatta as the Global Champion of the Young People’s Agenda by the United Nations General Assembly on 25th September 2018. This is a great honour to our country. Join me in heartily congratulating the President on this global recognition.

While this singular global honor recognizes the work of our President on the empowerment of youth in Africa and beyond, it also mirrors the facilitative role that this ministry and its staff play in the empowerment of youth in our country. The recognition should serve as a source of great pride to you as it means your work is bearing fruit and the world is noticing. It is you, in partnership with private, civil society actors and international development partners who plan and implement the youth empowerment programs in the country. The success of this partnership was demonstrated markedly during the multi-ministerial, multi-agency commemoration of the National Youth Week and International Youth Day this year, that was synergized further by the collaboration of the national and county governments. It is this level of commitment and partnership that presents such impressive results.

I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank everyone for their contribution to the youth empowerment agenda. We have committed to support our President to ensure that he has a most successful tenure as global youth ambassador. I implore you to keep the same winning spirit as we forge ahead to achieve more for our youth and those other citizens we have been called to serve.

Prof. Margaret Kobia PhD, MGH CABINET SECRETARY His Excellency endorsed as UN Global Youth Champion BY PROF. MARGARET KOBIA

His Excellency, President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, was on 25th September 2018, unanimously endorsed as the Global Champion of the Young People’s Agenda at the UN General Assembly under the Generation Unlimited initiative. The initiative is a UN-led multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to ensure all young people are in school, training, or in employment by 2030. The initiative will focus on skills for learning, employment and empowerment of young people.

The position brings pride to us all and serves to add The UN General Assembly meeting in New York on 25th September impetus in our work as we implement His Excellency 2018, where H.E. the President, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta was endorsed the President’s policies on youth empowerment as the UN Champion of the Young People's Agenda. here at home. administration in pro-active youth empowerment interventions including the policy to reserve 30% of His Excellency the President has been instrumental government procurement opportunities for youth, in championing the youth agenda in Africa. Last provision of affordable loans, technical and vocational year, the President mobilized support for the skills training, volunteer programs, government establishment of an Africa Youth Fund with an internship and apprenticeship programmes. approved allocation of at least 1% of the Programme Budget of the African Union. These efforts have had remarkable impact as evidenced by the inaugural Global Youth Development Index The launch of the UN Global Strategy on Youth released in 2016 which found that Kenya had made the marks the start of a new era for youth of the world. greatest strides in improving the conditions of young We are ready to support His Excellency in people over the past five years in Sub-Saharan Africa championing the five key areas specified by the region. strategy because, to quote His Excellency, "we do not champion the cause of youth opportunity and Once again, we congratulate His Excellency the hope as a favour, but rather as the necessary, President and wish him a successful tenure in his new undeniable, embrace of our collective future." role. This is yet another feather in the cap of His Excellency’s exceptional track record of global, Kenya is signatory to the Africa Youth Charter and continental and regional leadership in a number of fields has made meaningful progress in implementing the dedicated to the progress of humanity. On our part, we provisions of the charter including the pledge unyielding commitment and diligence in establishment of a National Youth Council and the actualizing his policy objectives here at home, in Africa development of a National Youth Policy. The and globally. President has demonstrated strong commitment to the empowerment of Kenya’s youth. He has invested considerable resources of his

1 Review of The National Youth Policy BY MAUREEN MUSYOKI

The National Youth Policy (2007) that is under review is a framework for youth development across the country. It was developed within the context of sectoral policies, national development plans and International policies and charters to which Kenya is a signatory. It was passed by Parliament in 2007. The policy endeavored to ensure that all youth are provided with meaningful opportunities to reach their full potential, both as individuals and as active participants in society. Public Service and Youth Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr. Francis Through this policy a lot was achieved in the youth Owino chairing the inter-Sectoral meeting on the National Youth Policy Review on 27th August 2018. sector including the establishment of Ministry of The review of the National Youth Policy (NYP) Youth Affairs, Youth Enterprise Development (2007) is currently underway. A multi-sectoral Fund, and the enactment of the National Youth technical committee constituted at the Ministry to Council Act (2009). spearhead the review has so far collected views from youth all over the country in 13 regional forums. In The Kenya Constitution 2010 has widened the addition, submissions have been received from space for youth inclusion. It places an obligation on among others, State Departments, Semi the State, under Article 55, to take various Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), articulated measures towards youth Council of Governors (COG), and youth serving empowerment. The Constitution further organizations to ensure that the reviewed policy is established devolved units and devolved resources as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. In hence the need for coordination of various youth addition, the committee is working closely with interventions among the various youth sector KIPPRA to ensure that the reviewed document actors. meets set standards for public policy. New opportunities have emerged which include It is envisaged that the Policy review will address the ICT and online jobs, sports, the arts and major concerns and issues critical to the youth. It will agribusiness. Challenges have also emerged that give direction to youth programs and services include youth radicalization, exclusion of youth required to be undertaken by government and all due to ICT based challenges, cybercrime and other stakeholders to address the concerns. Further, human rights abuse among others. These issues it will outline strategies to mobilize resources and have directly or indirectly affected the youth create an implementation mechanism. socially, economically and politically making it necessary to develop a responsive policy Currently, the Ministry is working closely with Kenya framework that will effectively drive the youth Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis empowerment agenda and address youth (KIPPRA) to put together the first draft. Upon concerns within the current national and global conclusion of this exercise, the draft will be context. subjected to a validation process by all stakeholders in preparation for adoption of a policy to drive the youth agenda in the next Medium Term Period.

2 CS in Kandara, Murang'a County BY ROGERS MUTHAMA

Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia was in Gacharage, Kandara Constituency, Murang’a County on 10th September 2018 for Huduma Mashinani, Cheques Disbursement and Launch of the National Sanitary Towels Programme for the County.

317,000 sanitary towels were distributed in the County for public primary schools as well as special primary and secondary schools.

Hundreds of residents from Gacharage and its Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia launches the National Sanitary Towels Programme in Kandara Constituency, Murang'a County on 10th environs turned out to benefit from Huduma September 2018. Mashinani Services which included health services, NHIF registration, birth & death certificates, and NSSF.

During the event, Prof Kobia disbursed Affirmative Action Cheques worth over KES. 10 million for women and youth groups in the constituency. The funds were from National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), and Women Enterprise Fund (WEF)

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia presents KES. 5.6 Million cheque MPs Alice Wahome (Kandara), Martha from NGAAF in Kandara Constituency, Murang'a County on 10th Wangari(Gilgil), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), September 2018. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Waithera Maua (Maragwa), Engineer Nduati (Gatanga), among other local leaders.

The Cabinet Secretary later visited St. Mary’s Rwegetha Secondary School where she addressed the students.

Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia at Rwegetha Secondary School where she addressed the students on 10th September 2018.

3 CAS in Coast Region BY ERIC WAWERU KSG Matuga, Kwale County The Chief Administrative Secretary visited Kenya School of Government (KSG), Matuga on 11th September 2018 and held a meeting with the School Director Mrs. Prisca Olouch where they discussed the current programmes that were being undertaken and the projects that the school had envisioned to undertake. The Director pointed out that the classification of Matuga as a hardship region had contributed to slow development. She further noted that in the last financial year the campus operated at 40% capacity while it had a potential of doing more The Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh with the staff of KSG Matuga, Kwale County on 11th September both in conferencing and training programmes. 2018. 2. Hospitality: The Chief Administrative Secretary urged the Director • In order for Matuga Campus to remain attractive and to carry out research on the commercialization model competitive there was need to refurbish its hostels employed in NYS with a view to adopting it. The namely Chale, Wasini and Mwaluganje. The Director confirmed that the campus has potential as a refurbishing should include upgrading the kitchen, preferred training and conferencing facility dining facilities and tuition block. particularly for long courses and unique programs that • The rooms need to be expanded. They are also require serenity, team building and reflection as well cramped with outdated upholstery and fittings which as a blend of learning and recreation including should be replaced. induction courses. The campus has also recently • During the supplementary budget discussion, KSG initiated some small-scale agribusiness projects Matuga should be considered for funding to build the including kitchen gardening and chicken rearing which tuition/administration block which will enhance the can be scaled up once the pilot stages are completed. campus image and construction of 50 cottages as model units with a recreation centre that includes a The Chief Administrative Secretary later officially swimming pool and nature trail. In building the launched the Public Service Ethics, Values and cottages it was proposed that use of new technology Integrity Course. would cut on cost related to building the units and hence the need for the Ministry to consult Ministry of The meeting made some key recommendations on the Housing. This project could perhaps be undertaken following issues; through a Public Private Partnership agreement. 1. Land: • KSG has also invested on a borehole that provides • Matuga campus needs a perimeter wall for security. water to the institution as well as local communities. The access road to the campus also urgently needs re- The project needs to be expanded to include a bigger carpeting as it is in a poor state. It is a major road that water tank of upto 10,000 litres and water reticulation needs the attention of KeNHA. The campus needs to staff houses. landscaping since a master-plan has been drawn. • Matuga Campus needs a courtesy bus to ease • The Director noted that the institution had not been transport for participants coming to and from the able to initiate any key project due to delays in campus, particularly those that use the SGR from acquiring a title deed. She proposed that the Ministry Miritini. The courtesy bus could also boost business leadership engage with Ministry of Lands to resolve between Matuga and Mombasa campus. the matter and secure the title deed.

4 CAS in Coast Region

Likoni

We disbursed over KES. 12 Million to various youth and women groups in Mombasa County during a Huduma Mashinani and Affirmative Action Funds cheques issuance event held on 12th September 2018 at Likoni DC's office grounds. The event was presided over by CAS Hon. Rachel Shebesh who was accompanied by 11 Members of Parliament.

Taita Taveta

Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh disbursed over KES. 20 million to various youth and women groups in Taita Taveta County during a Huduma Mashinani and Afirmative Action Fund event on 8th September 2018 during her visit to the Coastal region.

5 CAS in Lower Eastern Region

Kitui The Ministry disbursed over KES. 18 Million to various youth and women groups in Kitui County during a Huduma Mashinani and Affirmative Action Funds cheques issuance ceremony held at Mutomo Market, Kitui South Constituency. The event was presided over by Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh who was accompanied by 8 Members of Parliament.

Makueni Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh addresses residents of Kibwezi East , Makueni County on 3rd September 2018 during a Huduma Mashinani and Affirmative Action Funds cheques disbursement event. Hon. Shebesh disbursed over KES. 9 million to various youth and women groups in Makueni County.

6 Pictorial BY ERIC BOSIRE

YEDF: Youth being trained on entreprenuership and how to Kisii County Women Representative, Hon. Janet Ongera participate in government tenders through AGPO at Multi distributes NGAAF water tanks to schools in Kisii County Purpose Women Hall in Matinyani, Kitui County on 25th on September 14th 2018. September.

Congratulations to KSG's Dr. Leah Mumbua Munyao for her The National Youth Council staff bid farewell to former appointment and swearing in as a Commissioner of the CEO, Raymond Ochieng on 21st September 2018. Salaries and Remuneration Commission on 28th September 2018.

WEF beneficiaries display their wares at the Mombasa Uwezo Fund beneficiaries at Mombasa International Show International Show held from August 29th to September 2nd held from August 29th to September 2nd 2018. 2018.

7 300 youth, graduate from KBL

Vocational Training BY BRIAN KOCHWA

skills to enable them earn a decent living “through productive and dignified work”.

Graduating participants were issued with certificates in entrepreneurship and artisan courses including tailoring, motor mechanical applications, hair and beauty, plumbing, electrical applications and catering among others.

Phase one of the programme targets 10 counties Principal Secretary, Public Service and Youth, Dr. Francis seen as highly susceptible to illegal, informal and Owino presents a certificate to one of the 300 graduands in Kibra on 26th September 2018. illicit trade in alcohol. These are Nairobi, Kwale, 300 youth graduated on 26th September after Kiambu, Murang’a, Nakuru, Makueni, Machakos, undergoing vocational skills training under Homa Bay, Migori and Kisumu. Project Heshima initiative which is sponsored by Kenya Breweries Limited in partnership with Kenya Breweries Limited Corporate Relations Africa Initiative for Rural Development (AIRD). Director Eric Kiniti said the company is committed to providing the youth and women with vital skills Enumerating efforts being undertaken to ensure for employment and income generation. “We unskilled youth are enlisted in the revamped believe in the power of self-sufficiency in Technical and Vocational Educational Training addressing youth unemployment, which is rampant (TVET), Principal Secretary, Public Service and in the country. The Heshima Programme cements Youth Dr. Francis Owino applauded the our commitment to building thriving communities organizers of the Heshima Training. He urged the by giving women and youth a chance to build a graduands to be role models and to influence at better future for themselves through vocational least ten of their best friends to enlist in the and entrepreneurship training,” he said. programme. Mr Kiniti said the programme is also helping the Dr. Owino noted that such programmes are fight against sale and consumption of illicit brews critical in helping the country deal with the by giving youth and women an avenue to channel burden of mass youth unemployment. “Many their energy into projects they are passionate African countries are grappling with the burden about. of youth unemployment. For us in Kenya, the weight is heavier because we are a young country The first batch of 89 Heshima beneficiaries with a median age of 19 years. Programmes such graduated in May in Kisumu. as Heshima, are necessary to complement what the government is doing towards youth KBL in partnership with their mobilisation partner, empowerment,” he said. Africa Initiative for Rural Development (AIRD) are implementing Heshima Programme to Heshima is a vocational and entrepreneurship complement the various programmes being training programme, which aims to equip youth implemented by the national and county and women from across Kenya with practical governments to fight illicit brews.

8 Theresa May's Chief Administrative pledge for youth Secretary's meeting and women with Nairobi MPs BY WINNIE MBURU BY ISAAC NGIGE

UK Prime Minister Theresa May with H.E. the President, Hon. The Chief Administrative Secretary, Hon. Rachel Shebesh meets Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the press at State House Nairobi with Nairobi MPs on 30th August 2018. during her visit on 31st August 2018. Members of Parliament from Nairobi County paid a UK Prime Minister, Theresa May visited Kenya on visit to the Chief Administrative Secretary on 30th August 30th 2018, 30 years after her predecessor, the August 2018 for the purpose of familiarization with late Margaret Thatcher. the activities of National Government Affirmative

Action Funds in Nairobi County. During her visit, the Prime Minister pledged to work with governments across Africa and provide support During the meeting, presentations were made by the on the following: Sub County/ Constituency Affirmative Funds (WEF,

YEDF and Uwezo) officers. • Leave No Girl Behind Programme: over KES. 850 million to support 5000 girls who have dropped out of Members proposed that beneficiaries of the various school or never been to school to go to school. Affirmative Funds should be residents of the • KES. 7 billion to empower 322,000 women to access constituency and registered voters. safe and voluntary modern family planning options.

• KES. 650 million youth employment programme to The Ministry provided the status of Gazettement of support the creation of high quality jobs for the youth the Uwezo Fund Constituency Committees to each of through innovation. the area MPs. • KES. 3.9 billion Skills for Prosperity Programme to support countries including Kenya to tackle skills gap. The meeting recommended that the funds and other • KES. 7.2 billion in agribusiness for countries programmes should foster working relationship with including Kenya to support food security, higher elected Members through the various Constituency incomes and good quality jobs. offices.

9 Courtesy call to the CS by UNFPA &

UNICEF BY FAITH KASIVA

The UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) Steering Committee paid a courtesy call to the Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia on 12th September 2018.

UNFPA and UNICEF have been implementing the Joint Programme on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) since 2008 and seek to strengthen the involvement of governments and political bodies to enhance gender equality and Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia with the UNFPA and end FGM/C. UNICEF team and the Ministry staff in Harambee House on 12th September 2018. The Joint Programme is governed through a Global In 2017 during the International Zero Tolerance in Steering Committee (co-chaired by UNICEF and Kenya, the Joint Programme was awarded as the UNFPA) with oversight responsibility for its overall best development programme in line with the management and functioning. Based on the government Mid Term Plan 111 (MTP 111) under Programme outline, the Steering Committee is the social pillar in Vision 2030 and a number of scheduled to meet twice a year with one of the Sustainable Development Goals to end FGM in meetings to include a field mission, which is Kenya by 2030. currently ongoing and that is why the mission was in Kenya. Since 2008, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund The objectives of the Steering Committee meeting (UNICEF) have been implementing the Joint are to discuss and review the programme progress: Programme on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation: Accelerate Change to end FGM in one • Understand the Kenya approach to eliminate generation-Phase 1&11. In launching Phase III of FGM; the Joint Programme in 2018, UNFPA and UNICEF • Update on the phase III implementation, seek to strengthen the involvement of country and including baseline data and evaluation; regional political bodies to create a more enabling • Resource mobilization strategy and initiatives. environment, increase political accountability at the national level, and harness the potential of The Joint Programme on FGM is well linked to the youth to enhance gender equality and end FGM, Government's national priorities. Programme and scale up the social movement to end FGM. interventions are derived from the FGM national work plan 2018/2019 that was developed by UNICEF and UNFPA in collaboration with the Anti- FGM Board and other Stakeholders.

10 APSD Workshop at KSG BY JOHN KAIRU

Principal Secretary, Public Service and Youth, Dr Francis Owino with partcipants during a Workshop on the African Public Service Day (APSD) 2019 at the Kenya School of Government on 14th September 2018.

Principal Secretary, Public Service and Youth, Dr Francis Owino officially opened a Sensitization Workshop on the African Public Service Day (APSD) at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete 14th Setember 2018 in readiness for hosting the 2019 Africa Public Service Day in Nairobi.

Africa Public Service Day (APSD) is now an entrenched strategic event on the African Union calendar. Emanating from the declaration of the first Pan-African Conference of Ministers of Public/ Civil Service held in Tangier, Morocco in 1994 the Ministers agreed that the 23rd of June every year should be celebrated as Africa Public Service Day to "recognize the value and virtue of service to the community". The Ministers declaration was reaffirmed in the Stellenbosch Declaration adopted at the 4th Pan-African Ministers' Conference held in Stellenbosch, South Africa in 2004. The meeting acknowledged the importance of the APSD initiative as part of the continental strategy to boost Public Administration programmes, public sector performance and governance.

The fundamental objective enshrined in the APSD is the provision and delivery of value and quality public service to Africa's citizens, and due recognition of the working conditions and the quality of officials who devote their lives to diligently serve the various publics.

The other equally important consideration is the facilitation of positive service outcomes and the quality of interaction between citizens and the public service. Africa Public Service Day serves as a platform for the Public/Civil Service to showcase and reward good initiatives and achievements in the public sector. It provides an invaluable opportunity for public servants to promote values such as professionalism, accountability, responsiveness, ethics and performance in the delivery of public service.

11 Huduma Centres help Kenyans save Sh343m in travel expenses BY MOSES OMUSOLO

points. It also sought to find out the transport costs involved, the time saved, the loss suffered by citizens at the traditional service points and savings made when served at Huduma Centre. Due to the demand for its services nationally, the Report recommends that Huduma Centres should create more outlets to provide more services to the citizen. It also recommends that the Huduma Secretariat make available more staff at Huduma Centres’ busy counters, carry out an improvement on systems uptime and ensure electricity stability. Huduma Centre staff at Nairobi, City Square Branch attend to customers. Huduma Centres have saved Kenyans billions of The Huduma Kenya Programme, which will mark shillings that could have been lost through five years in November this year since it was corruption and transportation to access public established, completed its first phase early this year services, a new study shows. The study on the impact by establishing at least one Huduma Centre in each of Huduma Centres shows that their services save of the 47 counties across the country. Huduma every Kenyan an average of Sh422 in transportation Kenya is a government programme launched by costs. President Kenyatta to enhance the access and delivery of government services to all Kenyans. It The study found Huduma Kenya served a total of now has a total 52 Huduma Centres nationally with 814,151 Kenyans who are estimated to have made Nairobi having more centres. total savings of KES. 343.5 million in transportation costs. “On the overall, citizen’s transport costs have The centres have served up to 30,000 people daily been reduced by 67 per cent due to services and collected over Sh12 billion for government provided by Huduma Centres in the country,” ministries, departments and agencies through the indicates the internal audit. Similarly, the report says Posta Pay System in the last financial year. Huduma Huduma Centres services have contributed Centres, a brainchild of the Huduma Kenya significantly to the reduction of corruption in Programme, have delivered a large number of accessing public services by 96 per cent when Government services, including duplicate ID cards, compared to the traditional service points. “The time birth certificates, police clearance, National used at Huduma Centres has reduced the citizen Hospital Insurance Fund and Kenya Revenue overall previous experience in accessing public Authority services. services by 86 per cent,” says the report. As appeared on The Standard on 24th September 2018.

The study sought to understand the variation in the number of visits citizens make to complete an application for services related to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda at Huduma Centre compared to the traditional government service

12 NYS Restructuring kicks off BY JOHN KAIRU

The Government through the Ministry is in the process of restructuring the National Youth Service (NYS) to make it a fit-for-purpose agency for Youth Empowerment. This process requires, amongst other things, a comprehensive and supportive legal framework to be put in place to facilitate the establishment and furtherance of the envisaged NYS mandate.

The NYS restructuring process commenced mid- August when a Cabinet Memorandum was developed H.E. The President, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta with NYS students and approved by the Cabinet with clear timelines. during a passing out parade. • Need for clear reforms in procurement and finance. Immediately thereafter, a Multi-Agency Committee • Need for change of culture. comprising various stakeholders - Office of the • Political goodwill to enable the undertaking of Attorney General Department of Justice, Kenya Law reforms. Reform Commission, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Devolution and ASALs, Cabinet office, The National Arising from the above issues, 5 key Thematic Sub- Treasury and the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Committees were constituted with clear TORs to Gender Affairs - was formed on 23rd August 2018. deliver. After retreating, the Sub- Committees The Committee made highlights on the following forwarded their deliberations and a Legal Committee areas: was constituted. This committee, comprising of bill • The mandate of NYS. drafters, came up with the Draft National Youth Service • Linkage between NYS, the ‘Big Four Agenda’ and the (NYS) Bill, 2018. Vision 2030 especially on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of the Youth, their This Draft Bill has been presented to the Cabinet empowerment and their participation as key to the Secretary and the Head of Public Service and is now realization of the SDGs. being communicated to stakeholders for public • The re-launched NYS that is expected to catalyze participation and input. The Legal Committee will, transformative youth empowerment in Kenya thereafter, consider the views. anchored on a 5-point vision. • Operational and managerial challenges that have The roadmap to enactment of the NYS Bill, 2018 will affected the implementation of National Youth proceed as follows: Service Programmes. 1. Develop the (2nd Draft) NYS Bill, 2018. 2. Develop a Cabinet Memorandum for approval. After thorough deliberations, members of the 3. Present the Cabinet Memorandum and (2nd Draft) Committee raised the following issues: NYS Bill, 2018 to the Cabinet. • Need for an oversight body that is fairly balanced in 4. Final Drafting of the NYS Bill, 2018 by the Attorney terms of membership. General (AG). • Need to re-organize the NYS top level structure. 5. Presentation of the NYS Bill, 2018 to Parliament. • Need for a clear policy and legal framework for NYS. 6. Presidential Assent and official unveiling of the NYS • Accommodation for the civilian personnel in specific Act, 2018 by end of November 2018. professional areas. 7. Implementation of the NYS Act, 2018.

13 Launch of Leading Young Program BY WINNIE MBURU

Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia with Nairobi County Senator, Hon. Johnson Sakaja, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Raila Odinga and Embakasi East MP, Hon. Babu Owino at the KYPA launch.

On 27th September 2018, the Cabinet Secretary, Prof Margaret Kobia launched the Leading Young Program by Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) .

She thanked the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association for their foresight in conceiving the Leading Young mentorship Programme. She also appreciated the International Christian Center and the Ford Foundation who have come forward to support the worthy efforts of KEYOPA.

She noted that the learning and mentorship approach would help inculcate the values that the program aims to infuse in their leadership. ''The young leaders have the opportunity to learn and internalize first- hand, the values that will turn them into effective leaders – values such as respect, energy, integrity and confidence,'' she said.

Through collaborative partnership with Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association, the Ministry has made many accomplishments in legislation which include:

• Review of the PFMA to operationalize UWEZO Fund. • Amendment of Procurement Laws to secure AGPO program. • Enactment of the Employment Authority Act which will underpin the Ajira platform . • Enactment of the President’s Award Act among other pieces of legislation.

14 SDGA Gender Officers Workshop BY MARIANNE KISANJI Gender Affairs is the national machinery charged with the mandate of driving this agenda.

She reminded them that they were the key to the success of key programmes in the Ministry and should therefore work within the available resources to ensure that they delivered on the mandate of the Ministry effectively. She urged them to ensure that the Government sanitary programme was a success and follow up to make sure that all the targeted beneficiaries were reached. As the implementers of Principal Secretary, State Department of Gender Affairs, Hon. Safina Kwekwe addresses the workshop participants on 28th the programme they should also advice the Ministry September 2018. on how to improve the programme. The State Department of Gender Affairs held a three- day National Gender Officers Workshop at the Panari The CAS informed partcipants that the national Hotel, Nairobi from 26th to 28th September. The Gender Sector working group had been revitalized and conference brought together all the Gender Officers directed them to work towards establishing County from the Counties, Gender Focal Points from Gender Sector Working groups. She asked them to Ministries, Departments, Counties and Agencies and ensure that they involve all the relevant stakeholders Heads of Departments and Technical Officers from and identify the unique needs of the County in driving headquarters. Over 150 members of staff attended the gender equality and women empowerment the conference. programme in their respective counties.

The objective of the inaugural Gender Officers During the conference, the State Departmental Conference was to create a common understanding Annual work plan and the Performance Contract were among the gender officers on Gender Equality and cascaded to the officers. The Forum was also used to Women empowerment and to strengthen the sensitize the officers on Public Finance Management, capacity of the National Gender Machinery in Procurement, Human Resource Management and formulating and implementing gender responsive Development issues and Governmental relations on policies and programmes. The conference was also to Gender development. help the officers most of whom joined the department recently to understand the mandate, functions and The Principal Secretary, State Department of Gender programmes of the State Department and its SAGAS Affairs, Hon. Safina Kwekwe said the State and enhance teamwork among all staff. Department has plans to continually build the capacity of the Gender Officers so that they can effectively The Conference was graced by the Chief contribute to the attainment of gender equality and Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh, who women empowerment in the country. This is meant to emphasised the importance of the officers in sharing enhance gender sensitivity in policy formulation, the strategic focus and direction of the State planning and programming as well as monitoring and Department. She said there was need for them to be evaluation of development initiatives. She announced sensitized on their role in the Gender Equality and that the conference would be held annually. Women Empowerment programme of the country of which the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and

15 Support women to deliver in

leadership BY PROF MARGARET KOBIA Prof Mwonya’s removal was executed before investigations by Inspector-General of State Corporations, as required. This is a familiar script.

Would these women leaders have been treated the same way had they been men? Why should Kenyan women face such an arduous time in leadership positions, suffer social ignominy and be easy targets for removal? The reason is our socially and culturally validated attitude towards female leaders: It is male hegemony. Ms Beatrice Elachi speaks about her impeachment on September 10, 2018. Our cultures have idealised the man as the natural The wheels of change in the women’s empowerment leader and the woman as the natural subservient movement turn rather slowly. In Kenya, 55 years after follower. In some cultures, women are equated to independence, there are fewer women than men in children and treated in the same manner as those they leadership despite near-parity in population and bore. education. Elective and appointed positions in most sectors are male-dominated. The endeavour by conscientious leaders in Kenya to actualise the one-third gender rule in public Pioneer women’s leader Phoebe Asiyo chronicles in appointments will go a long way in giving women the her recently launched memoirs, It Is Possible, how opportunity to serve and prove their worth. ambitious women leaders approached President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta with a proposal for a 50-50 The transformative community projects that many gender leadership appointment at independence. woman representatives have established with the limited funds from the National Government But until the 1980s, no woman had occupied a Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) have demonstrated Cabinet position. Things are much better now and their abilities. Kenya boasts of six female Cabinet secretaries. Just last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta feted 29 Sadly, history is fraught with cases of women who rose women leaders with State honours for their to senior positions but suffered harassment and exemplary service to the country. intimidation in an effort to wrest power from them. Recently, Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Women must be protected from undue social and Elachi suffered an impeachment scare, seemingly for cultural biases and prejudices and be judged on their her reluctance to authorise foreign trips for her ability to deliver. tormentors. Only the courts saved her. Due process must be followed in the evaluation of Egerton University Council sent Vice Chancellor Rose their performances. Gender must not be an overriding Awuor Mwonya on compulsory leave for allegations criterion. of “skewed” awards of scholarships and authorisation of projects.

16 Congratulations

H.E. The President Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta for being unanimously endorsed as the Global Champion of the Young People's Agenda Hongera Rais

17 You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla.

African Proverb.

Editors: John Kairu, Winnie Mburu Reporters: Rogers Muthama, Brian Kochwa, Marianne Kisanji, Maureen Musyoki, Eric Waweru, Isaac Ngigi Photography: Eric Bosire, Brian Kochwa Design & Layout: Winnie Mburu

@mo_psyga @mopsyga www.psyg.go.ke

[email protected] +254 20 222 4411

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