Trans Nzoia bets on grievance redress to boost good governance

Effective grievances redress mechanisms is a critical tool for good governance, promotion of transparency and accountabilty.

Beside ensuring fairness and responsiveness in service delivery, a functional grievance redress mechanism enables citizens and County staff raise raise concerns through established channels , Trans Nzoia County Acting Chief Officer for Public Service Dr. Judith Simiyu has said.

In a speech read on her behalf by Assistant County Secretary Gideon Sawe, Simiyu said a functioning grievance redress mechanism will ensure both internal and external complaints are handled effectively and ensure timely, fair and appropriate responses.

She made the remarks during the establishment of an official County Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Committee and Structure under the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP) II funded by the World Bank and the County Government.

Present was County Director of Human Resources KDSPII Coordinator Emeldah Agoi and GRM Officer Enock Nyaroo.

She cited inadequate public awareness, delays in resolving complaints, limited resources as key challenges hampering grievance redress mechanism at the county.

“Other challenges are weak coordination among County departments, poor documentation, insufficient feedback, concerns about confidentiality and limited use of technology,” she added.

Simiyu revealed that grievance redress enhances service delivery, strengthen public trust and prevents conflicts.