KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN: Madaraka at 62 - Securing the dream of freedom, progress, and promise

Today, we come together as a nation to commemorate the defining moment, 62 years ago, when we attained internal self-rule.

It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and reflection. We honour the heroes of our independence struggle, some of whom paid the ultimate price, and celebrate the people who work tirelessly every day to give meaning to our independence.

True independence lies not in the absence of subjugation, but in the opportunities to pursue our dreams. We have made significant progress in realising the vision of our founding fathers and mothers— we are more united, more prosperous, and more secure than we were at independence. But much work remains to be done to lift everyone out of poverty.

This realisation inspired our government’s economic blueprint— BETA (Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda). The place of security in achieving the BETA dream cannot be overemphasised.

A secure and peaceful environment is the foundation of social and economic transformation. That is why the role of our National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in service delivery and the development of our country is critical.

Our Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs ensure last-mile delivery of Government services to wananchi.

To ensure that NGAO is even more effective in supporting service delivery, we are operationalising gazetted administrative units nationwide.

We are upgrading infrastructure, enhancing staff welfare, accelerating technology adoption, and strengthening operational policies to safeguard their well-being.

The recently launched National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU) will further support NGAOs – including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs – in ensuring the smooth delivery of government services.

They will assist in enforcing national policies, laws and regulations while providing security during high-risk operations and supporting NGAO in conflict management and peace-building initiatives.

Our ongoing efforts to mainstream village elders into the national administrative system will further bolster our last-mile service delivery.

The choice of Homa Bay County to host this year’s celebration, whose theme is Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, is in recognition of Homa Bay County’s efforts to leverage its strategic location to become a hub of the blue economy.

Our ministry is working closely with the County Government of Homa Bay to create an enabling environment for harnessing the Lake Victoria resources for social and economic advancement.

The establishment of the Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCGS) base in Mbita Town has significantly contributed to the reduction of piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, trade in contraband, harassment of fishermen, and cross-border incursions.

This has boosted blue economy earnings in the Lake Victoria region and spurred an uptick in general economic activities.

We are also enhancing the capacity of KCGS to patrol the vast lake by raising the personnel strength in the upcoming security personnel recruitment and acquiring more advanced equipment.

Through the efforts of KCGS, the Border Police Unit, and other agencies, maritime security and safety in Lake Victoria continue to be conducive for tourism, lake transport, and fishing.

We are aware of the gazetted administrative units which are pending operationalisation in Homa Bay County, just like in many other counties in the country.

The operationalisation of more units will bring services closer to the residents and improve security.

The process has, however, been delayed by budgetary constraints. To clear the backlog, the Ministry has embarked on phased operationalisation using the available resources.

From our ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama town halls in the counties, we have learnt of the cross-cutting challenges administration officers face, which hinder their ability to deliver services effectively.

Besides other interventions, we have directed that every county should have two Principal Chiefs and Chiefs with college degrees should be considered for promotion to Assistant County Commissioner.

We’re also working on an improved scheme of service to address the widespread problem of career stagnation.

We have also rolled out long-delayed paramilitary training, and plans are underway to offer training courses in the Kenya School of Government campuses in the regions.

The government is also in the process of formally recognising the role of Village Elders and putting in place modalities for supporting their work.

The government appreciates the sacrifices our security personnel make to secure our country.

We are committed to improving their welfare for better performance and well-being. This encompasses remuneration, training, mobility, and better working and living conditions. This is work in progress.

Already, a salary increase has been implemented across the cadres, transfer of officers who have stayed in operational areas for more than three years is underway, comprehensive medical insurance is in place, and more advanced equipment has been supplied.

We are currently addressing mobility challenges by leasing 5,000 motor vehicles and improving living conditions by constructing 17,000 housing units under the Affordable Housing Program.

We salute all law-abiding citizens for the peace prevailing in the country and for your active participation in the development of our country.

The government is fully committed to addressing the security challenges being experienced in a few regions. It is heartening to note that the interventions are bearing fruit.

Let us continue upholding law and order, and together, we will build a nation that we and future generations will be proud of.

Happy Madaraka Day!

Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration