WEZESHA LAUNCH OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CENTRE WECREATE. A Publication of the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs DEPARTMENTS

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1 WEZESHA A Publication of the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs ISSUE NO. 002 DEPARTMENTS State Department of Public Service and Youth *** State Department of Gender Affairs *** INSIDE THIS ISSUE 14th 28th February 2016 LAUNCH OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CENTRE WECREATE CS issues Cheques in Nakuru County. 2 Huduma Centre Kericho Opens 2 Kitui County receives affirmative funds CARPS Report Presented to Summit International essay contest for young people...3 Youth employability PS Gender launches Women in Water Network.. 4 Baseline survey on service delivery innovations in the public service... 4 Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki writes on the wall of the WeCreate Centre a women mentorship Centre sponsored by US Government during its official launch in Nairobi CS Sicily Kariuki disburses loans in Nyandarua County..5 NYS programme kicks off in Mombasa. 6 Nakuru youth to benefit from modern stores.. 6 ILO Director Pays Courtesy Call on Cabinet Secretary... 6 UoN and NYS discuss collaboration.. 7 Western ambassadors vouch for women empowerment... 7 Affirmative Action Fund coordinators inducted... 8 A TV Interview? Butterflies? RELAX... 8 By Marianne Kisanji A center to mentor and empower women entrepreneurs in the country has been opened in Nairobi. The center, the first of its kind in Kenya, was jointly launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender, Mrs. Siciliy Kariuki and the US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec in Nairobi s Lavington suburb today. The Wecreate Kenya Women Entrepreneurship Centre is a project of the United States Department of State and the Caterpillar Foundation in fulfillment of the pledge made by President Barrack Obama during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit which was held in Nairobi in July, Speaking during the occasion, Mrs Kariuki said the initiative will complement the government s efforts in empowering women in the country. She urged the centre to collaborate with public institutions in enhancing the skills of businesswomen and expanding their businesses beyond the borders so that they would be empowered to take up the 30% procurement opportunities that exist in the government. Amb. Godec said women are a power house in entrepreneurship if given an opportunity noting that through the centre many women especially those aspiring to be entrepreneurs would be assisted. RRI....9 Pictorial 10

2 2 CS issues Cheques in Nakuru County By Marianne Kisanji The government will invest more resources to expand the Affirmative Funds programme to reach more Kenyans so as to accelerate their individual as well as the overall country s economic growth. It would also work with the organizations managing the funds to provide necessary support and required resources to enable them to effectively serve the youth, women and persons living with disabilities. The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Mrs. Sicily Kariuki said this when she issued cheques worth 32.6 million to 317 groups in Nakuru County noting that it was the government s expectation and hope that the funds availed to the youth, women and persons with disabilities would enable them to become economically active and raise their socioeconomic status in the society. She said the government had made it a priority to engage the vulnerable groups in gainful economic activities that would go a long way in eradicating poverty in the country and enhance their livelihoods through providing them with the required capital to implement their business ideas thereby create self-employment and improve their livelihoods. The CS said the Affirmative Funds, comprising of UWEZO Funds, Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Women Enterprise Fund seek to improve access to finance of youth, women, and people living with disabilities by focusing on growing these group of people and to facilitate them in implementation of the objectives of Vision Mrs. Kariuki said that apart from providing them with capital, the three Funds also provide mentorship opportunities and capacity building to enable the beneficiaries take advantage of other opportunities and in particular, the 30% preferential Government Procurement opportunities available to them. The government has disbursed a total of Kshs. 23 billion in affirmative funds throughout the country since their inception. Part of the audience follow proceedings during the issuance of Affirmative Action Funds Cheques (Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund) to beneficiary groups in Nakuru County Uwezo Fund has disbursed Kshs Billion, Women Enterprise Fund Ksh7.51 Billion and Youth Enterprise Fund Ksh10.9 billion. In Nakuru County, Uwezo disbursed Ksh million in 2014/2015 and during the occasion they issued cheques totaling to Kshs 12,995,000 million to 184 beneficiary groups. Nakuru County has received million from the Women Enterprise fund and on this occasion they gave cheques Ksh 18.4 million to groups 116 benefitting 1,532 women. The Youth Enterprise Development Fund has disbursed Ksh 861,702 shillings in the county and on this occasion they issued cheques worth Ksh 1.2 million to 17 groups in the Nakuru County to benefit 255 members Huduma Centre Kericho Opens Kericho Governor Dr. Paul Chepkwony and Principal Secretary, Public Service and Youth Affairs, Mrs. Lilian Omollo officially opens Huduma Centre Kericho branch. They were accompanied by Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai (R ) and Huduma Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mutuku (L)

3 3 Kitui County receives affirmative funds By Kawira Githinji 115 youth and women groups of Kitui County received cheques worth Kshs.12,582,000/= from Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Fund and Women Enterprise Fund. The cheques were issued by Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki during a cheques issuance and sensitization ceremony held in Mwingi Central, Kitui County. These funds are aimed at poverty eradication and enhancement of livelihoods of the youth, women and people living with disability, Mrs. Kariuki said. Speaking at the event, the CS said it was the intention of government through the funds to CS Sicily Kariuki issues a cheque to a women group from Kitui County. Looking on is the Area MP Joe Mutambu and Gender Principal Secretary Zeinab Hussein provide business capital to the groups towards implementing their business ideas. In 2014/2015 financial year Kitui County received Kshs.158,924,668 while Mwingi Central received Kshs.20,939,487/=. While recognizing the efforts and progress made by the fund administrators and their support teams, she urged them to continue ensuring effective efficient, timely and prudent management of these funds. The CS advised the beneficiaries to repay promptly to ensure more Kenyans access the funds. CARPS Report Presented to Summit By Caroline Musasia The Draft Consolidated Capacity Assessment and Rationalization of the Public Service (CARPS) Programme Report was finally presented to the 5th National and County Government Coordinating Summit held at Sagana State Lodge from 10 th to 11 th February, The Summit comprises the President and Governors of the 47 Counties. The CARPS Programme is a joint initiative of the National and County Governments mandated to ensure that both levels of government are properly staffed and structured for efficient and effective service delivery. It is expected that the Report will be implemented in line with the IGSC recommendations to the Summit. The CARPS programme was launched by H.E the President in September, 2014 and entailed human resource audit and skills assessment through biometric data registration, institutional and organizational reviews, and workload analysis for determination of optimal staffing levels. An Institutional Framework comprising stakeholders from the Public Service, Private Sector, Trade Unions, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices was gazetted to oversee the study. Ernst & Young Consultants were engaged to assist the team. Meanwhile, a new Institutional Framework has been developed in view of the recent changes in Government that saw the Ministry of Devolution and Planning that was in charge of the CARPS programme split into two to form the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs and that of Devolution and Planning. The draft has been forwarded to the AG for review and legal professional guidance. It has also been forwarded to the Council of Governors for comments International essay contest for young people By Kawira Githinji The 17 th Edition of the International Essay Contest for Young People up to the age of 25 years has been opened and entries are expected no later than 15 th June The contest organized by the Goi Peace Foundation is an activity of the UNESCO Global Action Plan on Education for Sustainable Development. This year s theme is entitled Education to build a better future for all. We live in a world with many complex problems, both local and global. What kind of education and learning would help us address these challenges and create a sustainable world and a better life for all? The contestants are required to describe concreate ideas for an ideal education. The first prize winners will be invited to Tokyo, Japan and will receive the Minister of Education Award at the Goi Peace Foundation Forum in November The contest guidelines can be accessed website. programs/1601.html RRI COUNT DOWN Launch : 22nd January 2016 Midterm : 11th March 2016 End term : 2nd May days to go

4 4 90% of unemployed youth lack vocational skills Director of Youth Isaac Kamande during the Conference By Brian Kochwa Lack of technical vocational skills has been identified as the largest cause of youth unemployment in Kenya with statistics showing that 90 percent of all unemployed youth have no vocational skills. Youth represent the largest population the world over and it is worrying to note that we have 70 million unemployed youth globally according to statistics. In a speech read on her behalf during a conference on Providing opportunities and Building the skills of Youth organized by the Business Call to Action (BCtA),United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Public Service Youth and Gender affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said that following the success of the Kenya Youth Empowerment programme (KYEP) the ministry is in discussions with the world bank towards initiating a bigger and a more ambitious youth employment project that aims to reach the youth in all 47 counties. The government is alive to the many challenges facing the youth in our country. However, these challenges are not unbeatable. Am convinced that with the creation of strong partnerships between government and the private sector, we can enhance the sustainability of ongoing initiatives for job creation said Kariuki. A total of 21,393 youth have received training in life skills and core business skills while 9,996 youth have benefited from the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project by gaining work experience in form of internships since the inception of the project in Maria-Threase Keating, Country Director, United Nations Development Programme- Kenya (UNDP) said that more research needs to be done so as to find existing gaps and where to put the youth in terms of their economic empowerment. She called upon the government to implement policies on proper curricular on what should be trained so as to meet the market demand. The young workforce needs to be aligned with the demands of the existing job market through the creation and promotion of apprenticeship, industrial attachment and internship opportunities. reiterated Kariuki. The conference was attended by a host of company CEOs among others. Women in Water Network launched in Nairobi Baseline survey on service delivery innovations in the public service By Caroline Musasia A Women in Water Network was launched in Nairobi recently. The Network is a body of Women professionals working in the water sector. This was on the sidelines of a one week long AFWA conference that was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. AFWA is an Accounting and Financial Women s Alliance that promotes the professional growth of women in all facets of accounting and finance. Members increase their career potential by connecting with colleagues, receiving education and mentorship to advance their careers, and developing leadership skills. The mission of the Accounting & Financial Women s Alliance is to enable women in all accounting and finance fields to achieve their full potential and to contribute to their profession. In a speech read on behalf of the Principal Secretary by the Director, Gender Affairs Mrs. Catherine Muoki, the PS noted that unclean water and poor sanitation are the world s second biggest killers of children. As basic human rights for all, access to sufficient and quality, Water and Sanitation are critical to the socio-economic development of all human beings, societies and countries at large. She noted that the network will culminate in creating the critical mass to empower women in all walks of life and at all levels of society to take responsibility in achieving development through personal involvement in water and sanitation. She said the Ministry was keen to partner with strategic alliances to achieve the goals and the key area of focus is monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects to effectively and efficiently realize the expected results. Founded in 1938 to increase the opportunities for women in all fields of accounting and finance, members of the Accounting & Financial Women s Alliance and their companies benefit from resources that accelerate their professional growth.. By Marianne Kisanji A baseline survey on Service delivery innovations in the public service has shown that public institutions have yet to fully entrench a culture of innovations in service delivery. This was due to the fact that the Institutions lacked a shared understanding of the meaning of service delivery innovation and many of the innovations were identified with the individual innovator and not the Institution. Bureaucratic tendencies in many of these institutions had also stifled innovations and thereby denied a chance all cadre of staff to show their creativity in service delivery innovations since the process did not involve all levels of staff. This was said by the Head of Research and Innovations unit Dr. Rebecca Moinde when she released the findings of the survey that was conducted by the Directorate of Public Service Management on Public Service Institutions on performance contracting that has reported on having developed innovations to improve service delivery.

5 5 Loans in Nyandarua County By Browne Kutswa Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Mrs Sicily Kariuki on Tuesday, 23rd February 2016 disbursed Ksh 13 million from Women Enterprise Fund and Youth Enterprise Development Fund to 74 women and youth groups in Nyandarua County. Ksh 11.3 million was disbursed to 59 women groups from Women Fund while Youth Fund released Ksh 1.7 million to 15 youth groups at a ceremony held at the Nyandarua County Commissioner s office grounds in Olkalou town. The three affirmative funds including Uwezo Fund have cumulatively disbursed Ksh million to 26,326 groups in Nyandarua County since inception of the Funds. Through these funds, the Government aims at ensuring that marginalized populations access capital to implement their business ideas, generate incomes and improve their livelihoods. Mrs Kariuki was accompanied by Nyandarua deputy governor Waithaka Kirika, Olkalou MP David Kiaraho and his Kipipiri counterpart Samuel Gichigi. She also made an inspection of the newly opened Huduma centre in Olkalou. Mrs Kariuki appealed to the youth in rural areas to take advantage of the economic opportunities the government has created for them to improve their livelihoods. She was concerned that the uptake of government tenders is dismally low at Representatives of women groups with a dummy cheque presented to them by Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki the rural level compared to urban areas and disclosed plans by her Ministry to carry out an aggressive sensitization campaign to create awareness about the affirmative action opportunities. The CS also announced that NYS will conduct a biometric registration of youth in 221 constituencies that had not been covered in the just concluded exercise during the next financial year. The first phase of the biometric registration covered 69 constituencies. The youths who have been rehabilitated out of drug addiction will also be considered during the enlisting of youth in the NYS youth empowerment programme, said Mrs Kariuki. Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki with beneficiaries of the YEDF loans totaling 1.7 million with their dummy cheque

6 Kongowea Market gets a face lift 6 By Browne Kutwsa NYS servicemen and women joined hands with local youth to clean up Kongowea market in Mombasa on Saturday, 21st February Director General Richard Ndubai led his officers who teamed up with over 800 enlisted local youth to clear the mountains of garbage in the market in Nyali constituency. Area MP Awiti Bolo and county commissioner Evans Achoki participated in the exercise. Mr Ndubai expressed confidence that the programme will not stall again. We have put in place measures to ensure sustainability of the programme, he said. The DG and his team were later joined by Kilifi South MP Mustafa Iddi for a similar activity in Mtwapa area and Kilifi town in Kilifi north constituency. Over 2000 youths have been recruited in the three constituencies. They will earn Ksh 471 per day out of which ksh 141 will be retained as a saving in their cooperative society. NYS Director General Richard Ndubai and Nyali MP Awiti Bolo (2nd left) lead local youth in clearing garbage at Kongowea market in Mombasa Nakuru youth to benefit from modern stores ILO Director Pays Courtesy Call on Cabinet Secretary By Joram Mbui By Felister Moraa Some of the modern market stores in Nakuru County Youth Fund in partnership with the Nakuru County Government is in the process of putting up 150 modern market stores in six constituencies in the county. This is contained in a memorandum of understanding signed in late 2015 between the two institutions to boost youth enterprise development in the region. According to Youth Fund s Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Odero, the first phase of the project that began in December 2015 is already complete with 20 stores constructed and ready for occupation in Gilgil Sub County. At least 20 stores are ready for occupation; we have received applications, evaluated and identified qualified youth entrepreneurs who will be allocated those stores. he said. Mr. Odero said the modern market stores are being leased to youth at a very affordable rate. They are connected to electricity, located in prime, safe and secure places in the county. Construction of other phases of the modern market stores in Njoro, Naivasha Nakuru East and West constituencies, Molo and Koresoi areas is already underway and according to him will be complete before end of April Construction of these stores seeks to provide affordable and accessible trading space which is currently one of the biggest challenges facing young entrepreneurs, mainly because of the cost of building or renting. The project will enable youth to conduct legitimate businesses and reduce enterprise development inhibitors such as, rental deposits, good will, and harassment from illegal business groups such as the outlawed Mungiki said Mr. Odero. The revenue generated from the project will be revolved back to the Fund, to be accessed by other youth groups and individuals as loans for business startups and expansion. The partnership has also seen the Nakuru County Government donate land and agree to reduce license fee from Kshs.9, 000 to considerable low rates of Kshs.3, 000. The County Government has also waived Kshs.500 fire fee. Dr. Mary Kawar, the new Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, paid a courtesy call on the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs, Mrs. Sicily Kariuki at her Harambee house office on Thursday, 18th February The ILO Director thanked the Cabinet Secretary for hosting her and together with the team of ILO specialists, who accompanied her, provided a brief on the current ILO activities in Kenya. The Cabinet Secretary appreciated ILO s work in Kenya, especially in regard to projects that have promoted youth employment and women entrepreneurship. She expressed her desire for the partnership to be scaled up and for increased coordination between the various stakeholders carrying out activities in these areas. The Cabinet Secretary indicated that the Government of Kenya is keen on strengthening the Public Service, especially in the area of monitoring and evaluation, as well as impact assessment of various Public Service engagements. The ILO Director informed her that these were areas that ILO had developed competency over the years and would be willing to partner with the Government of Kenya. The Cabinet Secretary thereafter, wished Dr. Kawar success in her new engagement and expressed her commitment to support the ongoing partnership between the ILO and the Ministry of Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs.

7 7 UoN and NYS discuss collaboration Correspondent The University of Nairobi (UON) and the National Youth Service (NYS) have entered into discussions on possible collaboration. The collaboration will mainly focus on youth transformation in the country. During a courtesy call by the Director General, NYS Mr. Richard Ndubai on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, various ideas of collaboration were explored. It was agreed that a taskforce comprising UoN and NYS representatives be formed to look at the matter further. Some of the areas of collaboration that were explored include joint teaching of academic programmes and research. Prof. Mbithi welcomed the proposal saying that the University is at the heart of transforming the lives of young Kenyans through teaching, learning and mentorship. The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Peter Mbithi and Director General, National Youth Service, Mr. Richard Ndubai He noted that indeed the University has systems in place to run a youth mentorship programme. On his part, Mr. Ndubai noted that working with the University of Nairobi will go a long way in transformation of the youth in this country. He proposed that the two institutions can work on expansion programme of campuses, thus making education accessible to all and in the end help in the reformation of Kenyan youth. Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Student Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro, DVC, Academic Affairs, are among those who were present during the meeting. Western ambassadors vouch for women empowerment By Kawira Githinji Ambassadors from Western countries resident in Nairobi have expressed willingness to support Kenya s efforts towards gender equality and women empowerment. Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki held a consultative breakfast meeting with them at Capital Club in Nairobi on Thursday 18 th February 2016 to lobby for their support and mobilize resources to advance Kenya s gender agenda. She acknowledged that gender equality and women s empowerment is critical for sustainable development. She urged the ambassadors to partner with government to fast track, identify sustainable high impact programs and develop strategies that encourage women to take up leadership roles and position themselves at Finland s Ambassador speaks to the press at Capital Club as Cabinet Secretary Kariuki looks on. strategic decision making levels. With your support we will be able to build a critical mass of change agents in our society and collectively deliver as one on our common goal of creating a just and equitable society, she said. Mrs Kariuki noted that although there has been progress in women s participation in leadership, there was need for leaders to engage at constituency level in order to encourage more women to take up political roles as envisioned in the constitution. Others who attended the meeting included Majority Leader of the National Assembly Aden Duale, Kenya Women Parliamentarians Chair, Cecily Mbarire, Chairperson National Gender Equality Commission Winfred Lichuma, development partners among others.

8 Affirmative Action Fund coordinators inducted A TV Interview? Butterflies? RELAX By Kawira Githinji 8 Have you been invited for an interview? How did you feel? Nervous, anxious or worried? What about a TV interview? Have you ever been invited to discuss important issues about the Ministry and its programs or other social, economic issues in respect of your profession? If you haven t, then sit back and relax. Here are a few tips to consider when that time comes. These will ensure that the moment is memorable and will make you come off as a professional. Choose your outfit: patterns, pinstripes, shouting colours are a no-no for TV appearance, they distract attention from what you are saying. Instead opt for bold solid colours that warm up your skin tone. Jewellery must be kept to a bare minimum. Coordinators of the Affirmative Action Funds in a group photo at Kenya School of Government Practice your sound bites: You have just a few seconds to sell your story. Prepare two or three key points you want to get across. Remember even if you are interviewed for 10 minutes, the news channel will likely whittle that down to just a minute or two. By Gladys Salat and Nuria Wako Coordinators of the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund (AASDF) at the county level concluded a weeklong induction training at the Kenya School of Government at the end of February Dr. Florence Murgor, Director of AASDF, who officiated at the closing ceremony, thanked the government for establishing the Fund. She urged the trained officers to ensure smooth operations urging them never to delay acting on the proposals they receive. I am confident that you now understand what the fund is all about. The honours, now, is on you to actualize the Vision of the government. I urge you to develop close working relationship with the elected leaders especially the women representative, she said. The coordinators, from all the counties, were empowered on various public service delivery issues including the effective use of the disbursed funds for proper grassroots development. Dr. Murgor said the officers were now ready to hit the ground running after being empowered on the conduct of proper public participation with regard to development projects, Inter- Governmental Relations, Effective Communication for Public Service Delivery and Result Based Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Ethics and Integrity, with major focus on Public officers Code of Conduct and Ethics. The coordinators, who happen to be the go between the two levels of government, County and National, are expected to work diligently with the fund s county committee to develop programmes which benefit the targeted group. The AASD Fund, which was established in 2015, offers social assistance to affirmative action groups. It is guided by the Public Financial Management Act which established it, and governs the distribution and dispatching of the funds. All disbursements from the fund shall be for specific projects as submitted by a county committee and approved by a special board known as the ASSDF board, which will comprise principal secretaries in charge of National Planning, National Treasury and Social Security. Send questions to your interviewer: Brainstorm likely questions as well as worst case scenario questions. To avoid hemming and hawing while thinking of a response. Send the reporter or anchor questions to ask. Body language: Interviews make one nervous. Strive not to make it show. Maintain eye contact with your interviewers and avoid glancing off set. Keep your hand gesture to a minimum. Slow down your speech: when nervous, it is highly possible to speed up speech. Pause, take deep breath and respond slowly and clearly. Speak as naturally as you would to another person. Relax, it isn t brain surgery. Practice ahead of time: There is no substitute for preparation. Practice, practice, practice, it surely makes perfect. Do this in front of your mirror, then with a friend. Choose your listening face: Smile, to your interviewer, this makes you look friendly and you establish a rapport. Forget your audience: The idea that thousands of millions of people are watching you on TV can be depressing. Don t think about it. Instead focus on facts that this interview is all about you and the person interviewing you. Ignore the rest. Keep your answers terse: Listen carefully to the questions. Pause before you answer. Avoid waxing on and on in response to questions. De-stress just before going to the interview: if you are nervous before the interview, tense up all the muscles in your body for a few seconds, then release them. Practice deep breathing and calm thoughts. Stay mentally alert and you will do just fine. All the best in your next TV interview.

9 9 RRI Update Responsibilities RRI Sponsor : Cabinet Secretary - Mrs. Sicily Kariuki Strategic Leader : Principal Secretary Gender Affairs - Mrs. Zeinab Hussein Resource Leader: Principal Secretary Public Service and Youth - Mrs. Lilian Omollo RRI Coach : Huduma Secretariat, Chief Executive Officer - Mr. Dennis Mutuku THEMATIC AREA: RRI GOAL Achievement: Milestone Affirmative Funds To disburse 1 billion shillings to empower youth, women and PWDs in 100 days Over Kshs. 200 million disbursed to various groups. Youth and Women Empowerment Funds and Programmes (Access to Government Procurement Opportunities - To increase uptake of government tenders by Youth, Women and Persons with disability from 2.8 billion to 18 billion in 100 days Current uptake is KSH 4,908,253,513. WEF will release Kshs 5 million in the week of 29 th February to 4 th March Huduma Kenya Secretariat Increase the number of Huduma Centers in the Country from 26 to 41 in 100 days: Kitale, Busia, Kericho, Nandi, Baringo, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Taita-Taveta, Garissa, Homabay, Marsabit, Samburu, Narok, Nyandarua, Migori : 5 new Huduma centres opened. These are; Kitale, Nyandarua, Busia, Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi. Gender Policy and Legislation : Increase partnership with Public and Private Sector Institutions in advancement of gender and women empowerment programmes by 10% from X to Y in 100 days A stakeholders workshop was held to discuss the 3 Bills (Two Third Gender Principle Bill (Executive- Duale Bill, Two Third Gender Principle Bill (Chepkonga Bill ) and Compromise Two Third Gender Principle Bill-KEWOPA) before Parliament on 2/3 gender principle Commemorate the International day of Zero Tolerance to FGM on 6th Feb at Elgeyo Marakwet County. To increase the level of awareness on GBV including FGM to service providers in Kajiado County by 10% from X-Y in 100 days The day was commemorated in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi, Garissa, Isiolo and Samburu National Youth Service Engage 100,000 Young People on Regular and Sustainable Income within 100 days 76, 167 youth were registered through the biometric exercise Administration and support services To improve the work environment by 10% within 100 days They have conducted a Baseline survey on the work environment Communication and Visibility Develop communication channels for effective and efficient service delivery within 100 days Achievement: An interactive website for the Ministry has been developed Social media accounts have been opened and there are 2580 likes on face book and 227* on twitter The creation of accounts for staff is complete and very soon all staff will receive official communication on ministry . The first edition of the electronic newsletter had been produced and the second is about to be released.

10 10 PICTORIAL UPCOMING EVENTS ********* 8th March 2016 International Women s Day KICC Nairobi ********************* 9th March 2016 National Consultative Forum on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment ********************* 14th 24th March 2016 Director General of NYS Richard Ndubai with the Nyali MP Hezron Awiti during the launch of a cleaning exercise of Kongowea Market in Mombasa on 20th February th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Conference Newyork ********************* ********************************************** Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki during the offiicail Launch of the We Create Kenya, a women mentorship centre support by US government.

11 PICTORIAL Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki inspects Nziu water pan and Nziu Ukasi water projects being implemented by National Youth Service on February 26th Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Editor Browne Kutswa Assistant Editor Caroline Musasia The newly established Huduma Centre in Nyandarua County. Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki visited the center during her visit in Nyandarua County on 23rd February The Centre is currently offering about fifteen services with more expected in due course. Photography Eric Bosire Design and Layout Kawira Githinji