Kisii to launch ethics and anti-corruption policy

Kisii county governor James Ongwae and county commissioner Chege Mwangi consult on how to conserve time during Madaraka day celebrations at Gusii stadium in Kisii county on June 01,2015. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

The county administration is set to unveil a code of conduct for public officers and an ethics and anti-corruption policy as it seeks to develop a culture of zero tolerance to corruption.

Speaking in Kisii town during Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor James Ongwae said his government has also put place structures to boost service delivery.

"Now that the institutional structures are in place, we are concentrating on service delivery to realise our vision of a prosperous county for all. In the next few days, all our officers will sign performance contracts to enhance efficiency in service delivery," said Governor Ongwae.

He said Gusii liberation heroes and heroines such as Otenyo Nyamaterere, Moraa Ng'iti, Ogwora Bitega, Siruel Moturi, Ongeri Nyamateganda, Bethwel Nyagaka and Nyamacharara paid the ultimate price to win the country freedom and deserve honour.

"We have finalised the Heroes and Heroines Bill that will tabled in the county assembly for debate and approval. We plan to erect statues and monuments made from soapstone at designated areas in the county in honour of these heroes and heroines," explained Ongwae.

key milestones

In his address, the governor said since taking power, his administration had realised major milestones in various areas such as infrastructure development, street lighting, spring protection and ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds get bursaries to continue with their education.

"All these planned developments require substantial financial resources and that is why we should invest in revenue collection and management," said Ongwae, who was accompanied by his Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tongi.

He added: "Indeed, Article 207 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, provides that the capacity of counties to carry out their functions is dependent on their ability to collect revenue."