The Public Service Commission has officially rolled out the third phase of capacity building for mentors and coaches under the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP). The five-days training programme will run from 18 to 23 September 2023.
The PSC Chairperson Amb. Anthony Muchiri, in his opening remarks read by Commissioner Dr. Mary Mwiandi, underscored the importance of mentorship in moulding the young Kenyans joining the public service under the PSIP. He stated that the success of the internship programme is fully dependable on the type of mentorship the graduates get from their seniors.
“The Public Service Internship Programme is a critical component of our concerted effort to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce for the public sector. It represents an investment in the future of our nation by providing young talent with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop their skills, and contribute to the delivery of quality public services,” stated Amb. Muchiri.
In her remarks, Dr. Mwaindi who is the lead Commissioner for the PSIP programme stressed the need for mentors to go beyond supervising the interns deployed under their care. She noted that the spirit of mentorship goes beyond teaching and supervising.
“Mentorship is not just teaching the interns the job. It is more of parenting, it involves sharpening a career, and by extension the future of our public service. Therefore, we are placing the future of our country in your hands,” said the Commissioner
She added that the Commission is deliberate in training more mentors and coaches to ensure interns deployed in Ministries, State departments and corporations work under skilled and motivated supervisors.
Also speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Public Service, Mr. Amos Gathecha, called upon the mentors and coaches to be a good example to the mentees and bring out the best out of them. He stressed the importance of inculcating national values, principles and values of public service that are critical in good leadership and governance.
“The culture of mentorship is critical. However, it’s your duty to ensure that the interns learn the best practices, principles and values from you,” said Mr. Gathecha.
Present during the official opening were PSC Commissioner Dr. Reuben Chirchir, Deputy Commission Secretary Ms. Jane Chege, facilitators and over 100 mentors and coaches trainees drawn from all MDAs.
The Commission will train 300 mentors and coaches in the third phase to add to the 500 mentors trained in the previous phases.