Nyeri: Nyeri County Commissioner Josephat Biwott has issued a stern warning to heads of government departments, emphasizing that failure to attend national day celebrations could lead to disciplinary measures. Participation in these events is deemed mandatory for all public officers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Biwott raised concerns during a meeting of the National Government Development-County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee in Nyeri. He noted a troubling trend where some civil servants were consistently absent from national celebrations, leaving the responsibility mainly to officers from disciplined services. This behavior, he argued, undermines the significance of national events.
Biwott directed all departmental heads, from county to sub-county levels, to ensure their presence at future celebrations. “All national holiday celebrations are mandatory for all heads of departments to attend from county to sub-county levels. On the next holiday on June 1, I want to see all of us there. There is no discussion about it,” he asserted.
The commissioner highlighted that poor attendance by senior government officers has become a norm, despite these events being official state functions aimed at fostering patriotism, unity, and public confidence in government institutions. Some officers, he lamented, have normalized skipping important national functions, forcing security agencies and National Government Administrative Officers to fill in as government representatives during these commemorations.
His sentiments echoed those of Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, who last October also criticized absenteeism among government officials during national celebrations. Nkanatha emphasized that attendance at national holidays is not optional but a civic duty and a demonstration of support for the current government.
Addressing a regional implementation coordination and management committee meeting in Nyeri, Nkanatha expressed concern over heads of departments delegating attendance to junior officers or skipping the events entirely. This, he noted, leaves security agencies and National Government Administrative Officers as the primary participants.
“Traditionally all heads of departments used to attend these celebrations without fail. Nowadays, the celebrations are mostly attended by security agencies and National Government Administrative Officers while some senior officers stay away,” Nkanatha remarked, challenging departmental heads unwilling to participate to step down from their positions.
In addition, Biwott urged departmental heads to lead in promoting and implementing government projects within the county. He emphasized that officers in charge of government programs should actively engage residents, ensuring they understand the purpose and benefits of ongoing and upcoming projects.
“We are in charge of policy formulation and implementation, and the roles of the National Government Development-County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee are very clear. All of us are supposed to assist the government in implementing its mandate,” Biwott stated.
Furthermore, the commissioner addressed the alarming rise in suicide cases in Nyeri County, describing it as a significant social concern. According to Biwott, the county records between 10 and 18 suicide deaths monthly, with men comprising the majority of victims. He called for coordinated interventions from all departments to address this trend, linking it partly to the abuse of illicit alcohol and narcotics.
During last year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, Biwott highlighted the urgency of addressing suicide-related deaths, urging government agencies, community leaders, religious organizations, and health experts to collaborate in tackling this serious social threat. Stakeholders and mental health professionals in the county have associated the rise in suicide cases with mental health challenges, economic hardships, family pressures, and substance abuse.
The commissioner urged all departments to collaborate in raising awareness on mental wellness, strengthening support systems for vulnerable community members, and enhancing public awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. He appealed to local administrators, religious leaders, teachers, and community-based organizations to closely identify individuals facing emotional distress, connecting them with counseling and professional support services to prevent tragedies.
Biwott stressed that effective coordination among government agencies and community stakeholders is essential in addressing both development challenges and emerging social issues affecting county residents.
