More than 700 attachees placed at the County Government of Uasin Gishu have been challenged to maximise their placement by acquiring new skills, building professional networks and upholding the highest standards of integrity, discipline and professionalism.

The attachees received the message during an engagement session with senior County officials, who encouraged them to view their placement not merely as an academic requirement, but as an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their capabilities and prepare for the world of work.

Chief Officer, Public Service Management, Dr. Paul Wangwe, urged the attachees to be intentional about their professional development, encouraging them to use the opportunity to learn, discover their strengths and establish meaningful professional networks.

He challenged them to pay close attention to both their performance and conduct, noting that their workplace behaviour contributes significantly to the reputation they build for themselves.

“You will be interviewed while at work, not by us but by society,” Dr. Wangwe told the attachees, urging them to be strategic, communicate effectively and conduct themselves in a manner that leaves a positive impression.

He further encouraged them to serve with integrity, embrace every learning opportunity and use the attachment period to prepare themselves for future career opportunities.

Director, Human Resource Management, Nathan Koech, described the placement as an important part of the attachees’ professional learning journey, urging them to develop a sense of belonging and appreciate their role as part of the wider public service.

Koech emphasised that public service is guided by laws, regulations, policies and established procedures, particularly in matters relating to human resource management.

He urged the attachees to familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Officers and uphold the principles of honesty, accountability, openness and transparency in their day-to-day work.

The Director also reminded them of the importance of maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest and contributing to safe, healthy and respectful working environments.

He highlighted key human resource functions, including staff supervision, medical insurance, WIBA, leave management and fostering a learning culture within the workplace.

“Everything matters,” Koech said, encouraging the attachees to take responsibility for both major assignments and the seemingly small aspects of their work.

He urged them to remain authentic, demonstrate integrity, stay open to learning and be willing to take on new responsibilities.

Director, Communication, Silas Tarus, encouraged the attachees to respect their seniors and understand the importance of hierarchy and professionalism within the public service.

Tarus emphasised that confidentiality should form an integral part of their professional character, noting that trust is an important foundation for success in the workplace.

He also stressed the importance of reliability, punctuality, time management and personal conduct, urging the attachees to ensure that their actions reflect positively on both their careers and the institution they represent.

“Be good career professionals,” he advised.

Director, Public Relations and Branding, Faith Seroney, challenged the attachees to recognise that working in a government office places them in a position where citizens may perceive and judge them as representatives of government.

She noted that institutional and personal brands are built through experiences, with an individual’s name, reputation and character shaping how they are perceived by others.

Seroney encouraged the attachees to build professional networks, gain practical experience and nurture positive relationships, noting that the connections they establish during their placement could become valuable throughout their careers.

She urged them to leave the County with more than academic experience, including practical skills, meaningful professional relationships and a reputation they can be proud of.

Beyond the workplace, Seroney encouraged the attachees to cultivate positive personal values, urging them to be good friends, show kindness and treat others with dignity and respect.

Assistant Director, Performance Management, Wilfred Nyabando, took the attachees through the structure of government, helping them understand how different departments and levels of administration work together to deliver services to citizens.

Nyabando welcomed the attachees into the wider government family and encouraged them to embrace teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect.

He urged them to learn from the officers around them, build meaningful connections and appreciate that every interaction in the workplace presents an opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience.