For years, the debate around National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) has centered on their relevance and role in a devolved system of governance.
Yet beyond the policy debates and legal interpretations, NGAOs continue to serve as the face of the state in villages, towns, and neighbourhoods, working to maintain order, resolve disputes, implement national policies, and connect ordinary citizens to government services.
It is a restructured administrative framework that has been in place since 2013, succeeding the now-defunct Provincial Administration.
They play multifaceted roles anchored on three pivotal pillars: coordination of government programs nationally, implementation of national government policies, and maintenance of law and order.
Role of NGAOs in County Govt
NGAOs coordinate national government programs across all counties and implement national government policies at the local level.
Moreover, they maintain law and order and help to facilitate the delivery of services to local communities.
They also complement county governments by supporting national government functions, and they operate impartially and administratively while promoting collaboration with county governments.
Importance in Service Delivery
NGAOs provide a framework for cooperation between the national and county governments.
At the same time, they implement and coordinate national government policies and programs within their areas.
They disseminate government policies to the public through community meetings called barazas and encourage public participation to align policies with local concerns.
Further, NGAOs help to maintain law and order by coordinating efforts against crime and ensuring citizen safety.
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They also assist in resolving conflicts, especially land disputes, and help with the deceased person’s property succession processes.
Additionally, NGAOs handle policies related to drug and substance abuse.
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Achievements
Since their inception, NGAOs have facilitated the transition of 1.2 million students to Junior Secondary and 1.1 million students to Form One in 2023. They have also overseen national examinations to ensure smooth and efficient processes.
Moreover, they coordinated the registration of over 4 million farmers in a national exercise aimed at improving fertilizer access and boosting agricultural productivity. For example, Bungoma County alone registered 203,310 farmers under this initiative.
They have also mobilized and coordinated over 21,000 youths in urban environmental cleanup efforts.
In many remote areas where schools lack basic supplies such as textbooks, stationery, and desks, they work with NGOs and private donors to ensure these schools are properly equipped.
During the 2023 national examinations, the government deployed more than 600 NGAO officers alongside 16, 056 police officers across all examination centres.
Additionally, they have overseen the Presidential Bursary Scheme and national feeding programs.
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