Heads of government departments and agencies in Kenya could soon find themselves sihtout jobs for snubbing national day celebrations in counties.

Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha says attendance of national day events is not optional, but a civic responsibility that doubles up as a show of patriotism and support for the government of the day by civil servants.

Speaking in Nyeri during Central Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) Meeting, Nkanatha said attendance by the government officers sets a good example for the public and underscores the importance of patriotism.

The commissioner expressed concerns over recent poor attendance by the government officials, who he noted treat the events casually by sending junior officers represent them or opt to skip the events altogether.

“Traditionally all heads of departments used to attend these celebrations without fail. But nowadays, these celebrations are only attended by security agencies and national government administrative officials. We will be heading to Kitui for Mashujaa Day celebrations and all the principal secretaries, all the chief executive officers, all the chairpersons of commissions and all the cabinet secretaries will be in attendance. But some of you will be at home and leave the county celebration for the county commissioner and the county security team,” Nkanatha warned the departmental heads.

“I would like you to take note that accounting officers in your respective ministries and state departments will be in attendance but some of you will be at home. So, what we are saying is that attending national day celebrations is mandatory. If you do not want to attend the celebrations, relinquish your position as a head of department,” he added.

The regional commissioner also cautioned the officers against engaging in graft, warning that their days are numbered. He said the government has already engaged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate graft in public service.

On lethargy in the civil service, Nkanatha observed that some officers are abuse their positions in public service. He said such civil servants spend official time conducting private business, adding that the government will stop at nothing to ensure that discipline is restored in the civil service.

“There are many ways of stealing from the government; there are those who steal money and there are those who steal time. That is also corruption. So, if in a week you are in the office for two days, instead of five without permission, then you are stealing from the government.

“You can imagine if all of us stole one hour in one day that makes eight working hours. In a week you will probably have stolen close to a full day from the government. That means the government is paying us, even when we are not working. So we are stealing from the government and that one must stop,” said the RC.

Similarly, he advised public servants to serve the public with impartiality regardless of their status in society, as stipulated in the Constitution and the Public Service Commission Act. He cautioned civil servants against being swayed by political influence, reminding them that their primary duty is to serve the government of the day with impartiality and dedication.

“As civil servants, we are non-partisan. We offer our services to every Kenyan irrespective of their religion, political affiliation and gender.

Therefore, we do not expect to hear complaints from Kenyans that they have been denied services or discriminated upon when seeking services. Strive to ensure that service delivery is at per with government guidelines,” he said.

He further urged the officers to mentor the newly recruited staff under their supervision. Nkanatha said that the right guidance and support will help in instilling professionalism, integrity and improve service delivery in the public service.

“We are supposed to mentor the officers that the government is giving us. Try to make that officer that was recently employed a better person than you. Please do not mislead them, even before they know what they are supposed to do,” he said.

“Soon some of you are existing and we want to leave this country in better hands.

Remember that when you retire you will go back to seek services from the officers you are mentoring now, and they will treat you the same way you treated fellow citizens,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Mwangi and Samuel Maina

Central Regional Commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha during the Central Regional Implementation Coordination and management Committee (NGD-RICMC) with Regional Department Heads held in his boardroom in Nyeri on October 2, 2025.

Central Regional Commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha addressing Regional Heads of Departments during the Central Regional Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-RICMC) meeting in his boardroom on October 2, 2025. Nkanatha says that it is compulsory for Regional Heads of Department to attend National day celebrations. Photos by Wangari Mwangi.