NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya Leads Compliance and Ethics Training for Staff

By Victor Oyuko 

Every great institution is judged not only by the services it delivers, but also by the values it upholds. Across Kenya’s public service, one of the recurring challenges has been maintaining a balance between authority, responsibility, and accountability. While many reforms have been rolled out over the years, the need for clear sensitization of staff on lawful consequences of misconduct has often been overlooked. Yet, without such awareness, even the best policies risk being undermined by infractions that erode public trust.

It is against this backdrop that the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has taken a bold step towards institutional transformation. On Thursday, under the leadership of CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, and the senior management team, NIA conducted a comprehensive sensitization exercise for all its staff. The initiative, aligned with the Public Service Commission guidelines, is more than a procedural exercise; it is a deliberate effort to entrench integrity and professionalism at every level of the Authority.

Why Sensitization Matters in Public Service

Public service is built on trust. Citizens expect institutions to operate transparently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law. However, infractions such as misuse of resources, absenteeism, negligence, or abuse of office can easily compromise this trust. Too often, public servants engage in misconduct not out of malice, but out of ignorance or a lack of awareness about the legal and disciplinary consequences.

This is why sensitization is vital. By ensuring that every staff member understands the boundaries of acceptable behavior and the lawful consequences of infractions, an organisation minimizes the risk of costly mistakes. At the same time, it empowers staff to act responsibly, knowing that accountability is not a threat but a foundation for professionalism and career growth.

The Role of the Public Service Commission Guidelines

The Public Service Commission (PSC) plays a central role in defining standards of conduct across government institutions. Its guidelines provide a framework for discipline, ethical conduct, and lawful recourse in the event of infractions. However, guidelines on paper achieve little unless they are actively internalized by staff.

Through this sensitization exercise, NIA is bridging the gap between policy and practice. Staff are not only being told what is expected of them, but also being shown the real implications of failing to meet these expectations. This includes legal consequences, disciplinary measures, and professional repercussions that extend beyond the workplace.

NIA’s Commitment to Integrity and Accountability

Integrity is more than a slogan at the National Irrigation Authority, it is becoming part of the institutional DNA. By rolling out this sensitization program, Eng. Charles Muasya and his management team are sending a clear message: accountability is non-negotiable.

The exercise underscores three key commitments:

1. Transparency in Service Delivery – Every action taken by staff must be guided by openness and honesty, particularly because NIA manages critical national resources such as water and irrigation infrastructure.

2. Ethical Behavior as a Standard – Upholding professionalism requires more than technical expertise; it demands moral responsibility.

3. Improved Compliance for Better Outcomes – Clear awareness of disciplinary frameworks reduces misconduct and enhances service delivery to citizens.

By holding staff to the highest standards, NIA is not only protecting its reputation but also reinforcing the confidence of the public and stakeholders in its operations.

Linking Accountability to Service Delivery

At the heart of NIA’s mandate is service delivery. Irrigation infrastructure directly impacts food security, livelihoods, and the economy. When integrity lapses occur within such an institution, the consequences ripple beyond the organisation to farmers, communities, and the entire nation.

For instance, delayed projects due to negligence or misuse of resources can compromise harvests and frustrate farmers who depend on irrigation schemes. On the other hand, strict adherence to accountability ensures projects are delivered on time, resources are used efficiently, and farmers reap maximum benefits. By strengthening its internal culture, NIA is safeguarding the broader mission of enhancing Kenya’s agricultural productivity.

Leadership that Sets the Tone

Good leadership does not just direct, it sets an example. The presence of CEO Eng. Charles Muasya and the senior management team during the sensitization exercise demonstrates that accountability starts at the top. Leaders who take responsibility inspire staff to do the same.

The decision to make this a comprehensive sensitization exercise, covering all staff, further reflects a commitment to inclusivity. It ensures that accountability is not confined to senior officials but cascades to every department, every office, and every employee who carries the NIA badge.

Building a Sustainable Culture of Compliance

One-off events can spark awareness, but sustainable change comes from building a culture. NIA’s sensitization program is designed not as a box-ticking exercise but as the foundation of a long-term culture shift. By continuously reminding staff of the lawful consequences of infractions and reinforcing ethical values, the Authority is embedding compliance into daily operations.

This approach aligns with global best practices in governance, where institutions that invest in continuous ethics training and accountability systems outperform those that rely only on disciplinary action after misconduct has occurred. Prevention, as the saying goes, is always better than cure.

A Citizen-Centred Vision

Ultimately, the real beneficiaries of this exercise are not just the staff of NIA, but the citizens of Kenya. Every improvement in professionalism translates into better service delivery. Every act of integrity ensures public resources are used where they matter most. And every instance of accountability enhances confidence in the Authority’s role in supporting Kenya’s agricultural sector.

By embedding accountability, NIA is reinforcing its vision of being a transparent, professional, and citizen-focused institution.

A Step Towards a Stronger Public Service

Thursday’s sensitization exercise at the National Irrigation Authority marks more than a compliance activity, it is a milestone in the journey towards building a stronger, more accountable public service. By aligning with the Public Service Commission guidelines, NIA is setting the pace for other institutions to follow.

As the Authority continues to deliver on its mandate of expanding irrigation, boosting food security, and supporting farmers, this renewed commitment to integrity and professionalism will be its strongest asset. In a time when citizens are demanding more transparency from public institutions, NIA’s proactive step serves as a reminder that accountability is the cornerstone of trust, and trust is the lifeline of public service.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko.  To buy coffee: 0708883777