The Trans Nzoia County Department of Education and Vocational Training has identified teamwork, professionalism, accountability and improved service delivery as key priorities following a familiarisation meeting between newly appointed chief officers and departmental staff.
The meeting, chaired by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education and Vocational Training Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama at the county headquarters, provided an opportunity for the new leadership to understand the department's programmes, achievements and operational challenges.
Ms Mutama said the engagement was intended to familiarise the incoming leadership with departmental operations and identify areas requiring urgent attention to improve education services across the county.
She said the department would continue prioritising Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), learner welfare, school infrastructure and vocational training as part of efforts to strengthen access to quality education and skills development.
Ms Mutama urged the newly appointed Chief Officer for Vocational Training, Fred Mang'eni, and Chief Officer for Education, Daniel Masinde, to work closely with departmental directors, teachers, parents and communities to address challenges affecting institutions.
She particularly emphasised the importance of vocational training in equipping young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
“Vocational training offers opportunities for our youth to acquire skills that can enable them to earn a living and contribute to economic growth,” she said.
She identified enrolment, capitation, tools and equipment in vocational training centres as key areas requiring attention.
New chief officers emphasise professionalism and accountability
Chief Officer for Vocational Training Mang'eni called on public officers to prioritise citizens' needs and maintain professionalism when handling members of the public.
He said the manner in which officers interact with residents influences public confidence in the county government, urging staff to uphold respect, effective communication and customer satisfaction.
On his part, Chief Officer for Education Masinde underscored discipline, punctuality, time management and accountability as essential values in public service.
He called for improved internal communication and stronger working relationships, saying a supportive environment would enhance staff productivity.
Masinde also encouraged employees to communicate openly about personal emergencies and work schedules while remaining accountable for their duties.
“We must cultivate a family-like environment where employees feel supported while remaining accountable for their responsibilities,” he said.
Directors call for improved coordination and performance
The department's Director of Administration, Pius Munialo, called for increased visibility of departmental programmes through media engagement and improved documentation to support performance contracting.
He advocated monthly performance reviews and a results-oriented approach that would enable officers to track progress and account for their output.
Director of Vocational Training Eliud Lusweti urged staff to communicate whenever they were unable to report to work, noting that proper coordination was necessary to maintain continuity of services and promote mutual respect.
Meanwhile, ECDE Director Peter Omonya called on employees to maintain professional conduct, observe appropriate workplace behaviour and use social media responsibly to protect the department's image and minimise workplace conflicts.
Staff welfare and improved service delivery
Human Resource Manager Emmanuel Makhanu briefed staff on changes in the legal and ethical framework governing public service, including the introduction of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025.
He also addressed working hours, overtime compensation and adherence to the public service code of conduct.
Makhanu further raised concerns about mental health and workplace stress, proposing professional counselling and mentorship programmes to support employee well-being and productivity.
He called for improved facilitation of staff, particularly transport support for ECDE and vocational training officers undertaking field assessments across the county.
The support, he said, would help officers carry out their duties more effectively while improving service delivery to institutions and communities.
The familiarisation meeting marked the first formal engagement between the newly appointed chief officers and departmental staff as the county seeks to strengthen coordination, accountability and the implementation of education and vocational training programmes.
The department's priorities are expected to focus on improving ECDE services, addressing challenges in vocational training centres and fostering a professional working environment capable of delivering better outcomes for learners and residents across Trans Nzoia County.
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