- More than 700 attachés in Uasin Gishu County have been urged to use their placement to build practical skills, networks and professional discipline.
- County officials said attachment should be viewed as a transition from classroom learning to the demands of the workplace.
- The attachés were also challenged to uphold integrity, confidentiality, accountability and other values expected in public service.
Attachés at the Uasin Gishu County Government have been challenged to turn their workplace placement into a stepping stone for future careers by acquiring practical skills, developing networks and demonstrating professionalism.
The over 700 attachés received the advice during an induction session led by senior county officials at the County Headquarters in Eldoret City.
Chief Officer for Public Service Management Dr Paul Wangwe urged the participants not to view the attachment merely as a requirement for completing their studies, but as an opportunity to discover their abilities and prepare for the job market.
He said the workplace would provide lessons that could not be obtained in the classroom.
“You will be interviewed while at work, not by us but by the society,” Wangwe said.
He urged the attachés to be deliberate about their professional growth, communicate effectively and create a positive impression wherever they are deployed.
Wangwe also encouraged them to embrace integrity and public service values, saying their conduct during the attachment could shape their future career prospects.
From classroom to workplace
County Director of Human Resource Management Nathan Koech said the placement represented an important transition from academic learning to the practical world of work.
Koech urged the attachés to develop a sense of belonging and understand how the public service operates.
He said they needed to familiarise themselves with laws, regulations, policies and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Officers.
“Public service demands honesty, accountability, openness and transparency,” Koech told the participants, while also stressing the importance of confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
He urged them to contribute towards creating workplaces that are safe, healthy and respectful.
County Director of Communication Silas Tarus encouraged the young professionals to respect their seniors and appreciate the role of hierarchy in maintaining an effective public service.
Conduct can shape future opportunities
County Director of Public Relations and Branding Faith Seroney said the attachés should remember that their conduct in government offices could shape how the public perceives the entire public service.
She challenged them to leave the county having gained more than academic exposure.
“You should leave the County with not just academic experience, but more importantly with meaningful practical skills and a reputation you would be proud of,” Seroney said.
Assistant Director of Performance Management Wilfred Nyabando explained the structure of government and how departments and different levels of administration work together to provide services to citizens.
The officials said the induction was intended to equip the attachés with the knowledge and values necessary to navigate the workplace successfully.
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The county government said the programme forms part of its efforts to nurture a new generation of skilled and ethical professionals who can contribute effectively to public service and the wider economy.
By Kimutai Langat
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