Favourism. Individual interests. These are the likely terms that could be used to describe the Kenyan nation as far as governance is concerned. Baringo County Commissioner, Mr. Peter Okwanyo, is concerned that the workplace has been the saddle of all these.
He says that financial embezzlement has gained root in places of work, frustrating the vigour and energy the government is investing in meeting the needs of the citizenry.
Indeed, uproar immediately followed a report by Kenya’s highly respected auditor general, Edward Ouko, as the scale of mismanagement of public funds became clear.

According to Mr. Okwanyo, Kenya should have developed immensely if the country got rid of such avenues that have had serious impact in the economy.
To turn around the country’s economy, the County Commissioner says, requires a paradigm shift in the way Kenyans conduct business.
Mr. Okwanyo notes that a paradigm shift, a major realization in the 1980s, is the way to go in restoring public confidence in the public service.
He urges all to focus on what they can make rather than milk from the public.

“Kenya has always had good plans. Some countries, even, use our plans for their own development. I wish we could get to a level where we implement these plans. The public sector needs to serve like business unusual,” he said.
The Commissioner challenges officers to renew their conduct and enable the government to achieve the set targets.
He said this at KSG Baringo Campus as he officiated the graduation of officers in Public Relations and Customer Care, and Supervisory Management courses.
He reiterated that time had come for the public service to shift from favouritism, corruption, ethnicity, bribery, and other misdemeanors to patriotism and a sense of duty that would shape the country’s aspirations.

Mr. Okwanyo observed that integrity and accountability would enable sustainable development in the republic. Indeed, the Constitution, in Article 10, pcalls upon government officers to embrace good
governance, integrity, transparency and accountability in their service delivery.
“How you serve is important. The way you conduct business in the workplace should be ethical. Emulate the private sector, where, for instance, many private hospitals offer timely and quality services. Government hospitals, too, should offer similar service,” Mr. Okwanyo observed.

Further, he challenged the officers to explore other ways that would earn them income instead of engaging in corrupt activities.
“I want to give you a tip on boosting your income. Consider an investment such as tree planting and real estate. These ambitious investments have
enabled many people amass wealth. I beseech you to consider an investment that will enable us eject corruption in the workplace,” reiterated Mr. Okwanyo.
For Baringo Campus Deputy Director in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Jason Mulama, everybody has a role to play in their organizations to rid the service of corruption.

The Deputy Director added that the war against corruption can only be won if everybody is involved.
“Your colleagues must have confidence in you. You should be sensitive and be a role model. Let your family be the first to experience the difference,” said Mr. Mulama.

By Douglas Mochama