Before we promulgated the new Constitution over a decade ago, there were uncertainties about the fate of the Provincial Administration and its place within the newly devolved system of government.
A subjective interpretation of the recommendations in the Harmonised Draft Constitution left these administrative units amid widespread misgivings.
The Government of Kenya made a bold decision to reorient the structure, one that is now ticking all the right boxes in public administration.
With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that those who steadfastly defended this department had an intuitive understanding of its role as a critical pillar of Kenya’s governance framework – then, now, and for the future.
Today, we commemorate 62 years since Kenya took the first steps toward internal self-rule. But Madaraka was never just about the recognition of our sovereignty – it was a call to build institutions and systems that would deliver on the promise of self-governance, social justice, national unity, and service to the people.
Few institutions have carried this responsibility more deeply than the National Government Administration (NGAO) structure – the men and women who form the bedrock of our public service delivery at the grassroots.
Following the enactment of the National Government Coordination Act, 2013, the old guard began moulting and ultimately gave way to a new breed of administrators whose functions now widely resonate with Kenyans’ expectations.
The restructuring that followed – sparked in part by earlier Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector (GJLOS) reforms – ushered in a new generation of administrators.
These are officers who no longer rule from above, but serve from among, and with, the people.
Today, NGAOs are indispensable in three core areas: security management, coordination, and implementation of government policies at the grassroots.
Their leadership in multi-agency security teams has led to substantial gains in the fight against terrorism, illicit brews, narcotics, and organised crime.
The success of initiatives like Nyumba Kumi has proven that community trust and intelligence-sharing remain our most potent weapons in securing our country.
In development coordination, NGAOs serve as the first link between the National Executive and the citizen. They ensure that government programs – particularly under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) – are implemented effectively and transparently, with increasing civic participation and accountability.
If the success of the new structure so far is anything to go by, then surely the best is yet to come. However, we need a decisive factor in the form of commitment and patriotism to actualise this dream.
Our progress in implementing welfare reforms in the security sector and the National Government Administration structure depends not only on the government, but also on active participation and support from wananchi, goodwill from elected leaders, and cooperation from county governments.
Only then can we unlock the full potential of our systems and realise the constitutional vision of social justice and collective progress.
As we celebrate Madaraka Day, let us remind ourselves that it is not just another periodic event in our history – it is a living idea.
An idea that demands constant renewal of our commitment to equitable service delivery, for which our forefathers fought.
To all our administrators across the nation, we honour your service. To members of the public, thank you for your faith in this structure.
Principal Secretary Internal Security and National Administration, Dr.
Raymond Omollo.
