State to devolve governance awards to counties

By Kurian Musa

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development to extend the Champions of Governance Awards to the counties.

This emerged during the Champions of Governance Awards Gala Night held at the Intercontinental Hotel. NIC Bank emerged champions.

The Champions of Governance Index (CGI) was launched during the galla.  “The Governance Index will promote the practice of good governance in public and private sector organisation,” said Industrialisation PS Dr Wilson Songa said. Dr Songa promised to support ICPSK in the initiative to devolve the COG awards saying good governance at the counties is integral.

A countrywide call was made for more organisations and individuals to register in future for an all-inclusive forum. “It is my hope that winners of the COG awards will continue upholding the highest standards of governance practices,” said the PS.

He said improved governance is key to achieving the Kenya Vision 2030.

The co-operatives sector received accolades for registering the highest number of participants in the 2012 and 2013 COG awards.

The awards were inaugurated in 2010 by the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya. It now organises monthly forums which focus on parameters that will ensure enhanced governance at both the National and County levels.

In a keynote speech given by the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya  chair Catherine Musakali, the awards need to impart values and principles of good governance, which is a critical parameter in achieving the Jubilee Government’s campaign promises to the people.

“This award is very timely, considering that our country is undergoing transformation and needs a paradigm shift from poor governance to good governance for the countries good,” Musakali said.