The County Government of Nakuru is undertaking reforms to improve service delivery by focusing on employee wellness, innovation and productivity, the County Public Service Board Secretary Joyce Ndegwa has said.

Ndegwa highlighted initiatives put in place by the devolved unit’s administration, aimed at making service delivery more inclusive, dynamic and responsive to the needs of residents.

She said the board is prioritizing mental health, describing it as a previously unmeasurable but critical area.

The Board Secretary reiterated that a skilled and well-structured workforce is central to effective service delivery and sustainable development.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from AAR Healthcare, Ndegwa emphasized that investing in human resource systems is not just an administrative exercise but a foundation for better governance.

“Our ability to deliver quality services to the people of Nakuru depends on how well we structure, manage and support our workforce. Strengthening our human resource capacity will ensure we have the right people in the right positions, guided by clear policies and performance standards,” the official said.

She noted that a robust staff establishment and well-defined HR policies would enhance transparency, improve efficiency and position the county to better address residents’ needs while accelerating development programmes.

Ndegwa emphasized that robust institutions and transparent systems are the backbone of effective devolution, underscoring that strengthening institutional capacity remains central to the programme’s objectives.

“Institutions that are well-structured, adequately staffed and guided by clear policies are better positioned to plan effectively, manage public resources prudently and respond to the needs of wananchi,” she said.

She announced that the county government has extended its ongoing partnership with AAR Healthcare Nakuru to promote employee well-being and enhance workplace productivity.

The continued collaboration aims to reinforce the overall health, morale and operational efficiency of the county’s public service workforce.

Building on previous wellness engagements, the joint initiative, according to Ndegwa, seeks to equip board members and staff with practical knowledge and skills to manage workplace stress, adopt healthier lifestyles and improve their physical and mental health.

AAR Healthcare in partnership with the county government held an interactive health clinic that featured expert-led sessions on stress management, workplace ergonomics, eye care, nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.

Participants follow proceedings during a meeting organized by the County Public Service Board and Nakuru AAR Healthcare to promote employee well-being.

Participants also benefited from one-on-one consultations with an optometrist and a physiotherapist, offering personalized professional advice on eye health, physical fitness and the prevention of work-related health challenges.

The health experts emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle that promotes spiritual, mental and physical well-being, encouraging civil servants to prioritize preventive healthcare and adopt healthy habits both at work and at home.

Ndegwa noted that sustaining the partnership with AAR Healthcare underscores the county administration’s long-term commitment to creating a supportive work environment where employees regularly access professional medical guidance.

She said employee well-being is fundamental to organizational performance and effective public service delivery.

Ndegwa observed that by deepening the ongoing partnership, this continuously encourages staff to prioritize their health, identify potential challenges early and adopt sustainable lifestyle practices that enable them to serve the people of Nakuru County more effectively.

Nakuru County Public Service Board Chairperson Charles Mwai commended the AAR Healthcare Nakuru team for their sustained support and professional guidance.

He urged board members and employees to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being, noting that a healthy and motivated workforce remains vital to delivering quality public services.

Mwai observed that ongoing investments in employee wellness foster a positive working environment, boost staff morale and support the efficient execution of public service responsibilities.

AAR Healthcare Regional Manager Dr. Mercy Bob noted that the continued collaboration with the County Government of Nakuru provided an opportunity to combine resources and expertise to address healthcare needs while promoting employee wellness.

Dr. Bob highlighted that this continued partnership with the County Government of Nakuru reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people they serve.

She reaffirmed AAR’s commitment to building on this collaboration by sharing expertise, strengthening preventive healthcare and supporting initiatives that make quality healthcare more accessible to residents while promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.

The employee wellness initiative builds on an earlier partnership between the County Government of Nakuru and AAR Healthcare aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the county.

This renewed engagement aligns with the County Government of Nakuru’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery by safeguarding the welfare of officers who implement county programmes.

The collaboration highlights the county’s progressive approach to integrating long-term health management into human resource practices, ensuring a resilient workforce capable of meeting the service demands of Nakuru residents.

By Jane Ngugi and Caroline Nyakio