New Staff Induction Training at KSG Lower Kabete Campus
PS Welcomes new staff to the State Department
By John Kinuthia
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Works Mr.Joel Arumonyang’ has told newly employed staff to view their appointment as a great opportunity to serve their country with integrity and professionalism and challenged them to prioritise proactive thinking and generation of innovative ideas.
He noted that they were joining Public Service when the Bottom-Up Transformative Agenda’s blue print was being implemented which challenges us to, ”elevate our public service approach, requiring not just adaptability and foresight, but re-imagination of our roles to meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s needs.”
Mr.Arumonyang’ was addressing the new 110 staff at the Kenya School of Government on May 28th, 2024 when he officially opened a five day induction and orientation training for them. The new appointees include 29 architects, 20 mechanical engineers, 15 electrical engineers, 22 senior support staff, three artisans and nine drivers. Others are eight clerical officers and three supply chain officers. The PS reminded them they are a select group that was fortunate to secure a chance in public service noting that many of their colleagues who were equally qualified were not successful.
While commenting on the State Department’s mandate, the PS said his Department is charged with the responsibility of among other functions formulation of Public Works Policy and Planning and Management of buildings and construction Standards and Codes. He however noted that that Public Works mission goes beyond construction of buildings and related infrastructure adding that it was more about,” creating the social framework to support growth and connectivity for generations to come.”
He cited the recently approved National Building Code by Parliament and the Building Standards Control Bill which is in progress as critical legislative tools to provide fresh impetus in the sustainable growth of the built environment. Mr.Arumonyang’ said the two pieces of legislation were not merely regulations, but,”our commitment to upholding the highest standard of safety, sustainability and efficiency.” in the built-environment.
On climate change, the PS said the ongoing floods in the country brought about by the el-nino weather phenomenon have sent out an alert that we urgently require infrastructure that is not only resilient but also adaptable to future challenges. He said built-environment professionals need to design and construct buildings that are climate-resilient, sustainable and energy-efficient while adopting and promoting green building practices.
The PS, Mr. Joel Arumonyang, (Centre) in a group photo with the Inductees and Heads of Departments.
The PS, Mr. Joel Arumonyang addressing the inductees.
Some of the inductees at the Kenya School of Government.