Training for Directors and Performance Contract (PC) focal persons was conducted at Parkview Safari Hotel in Kisumu County. Afrisol Consultants Limited facilitated the session, focusing on how to devise and implement an effective and efficient performance management framework. The training commenced with opening remarks from CECM for Governance, Administration, and ICT, C.S Agunda Ochanda, who welcomed all participants.
Prof. Dr. John Obiero Ogone provided an overview of a good performance management policy and regulations. In his speech, he emphasized that the goals of various departments should align with the Governor's manifesto. He further stated that work plans must meet ministerial standards, facilitating both employees and employers in working towards clear, mandated objectives. He highlighted that these goals should address community challenges. Professor Ogone also briefly discussed performance management targets, evaluation processes, and reward mechanisms.
Following this, Dr. Samuel Okuro spoke on Performance Contracting, detailing key elements of a model performance contract, which include statements of responsibility, strategic intent, vision, mission, and strategic objectives. He urged the directors and PC focal persons to set achievable standards within specific time frames.
Dr. Okuro also covered performance management tools and timelines, such as negotiations, vetting, signing, and cascading, alongside the importance of effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting of performance targets.
Later, Mr. Bernard Ohanga led the group into discussions, tasking them with defining targets for their departments and devising strategies to achieve these targets. The departments presented their goals in front of all attendees:
GOVERNANCE:
Enhance the efficiency of county public service.
Institute quality guidelines on welfare.
EDUCATION:
Reduce absenteeism in schools.
Increase the bursary budget to accommodate more financially challenged students.
PROCUREMENT:
Reserve some government tenders for special groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities.
HEALTH:
Construct one health facility with mental health services.
Ensure four health facilities offer oral/dental services.
Reduce HIV prevalence.
WATER:
Focus on environmental conservation.
Construct 41 boreholes.
Mr. Ohanga observed that the department heads often omitted implementation strategies for their targets. He reminded them of the necessity of actionable steps to achieve these objectives and discussed the institutionalization of performance management and targets.
The session was moderated by Mr. George Okello (Secretary, PMSC), Mr. Peter Ligulu (Chairman-CPMCS), Mr. Philemon Angila (CPMCS), and Mr. Fredrick Muga (CPMCS). The programme concluded with closing remarks by the County Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ogutu.