More than 280 newly elected ward members from across Central Province have begun a week-long induction program aimed at strengthening local governance and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve their communities.
District and Local level Government (LLG) Affairs Advisor for the Central Provincial Administration, Guma Tau, said 283 ward members from the province's five districts are attending the induction, which runs from June 29 to July 3.
Mr. Tau said the province has a total of 288 ward positions, but five remain vacant following failed elections and the recent passing of a ward member.
Participants are being accommodated at Gateway and Ponderosa Hotels while attending the training.
He said the program is designed to provide newly elected ward members with a better understanding of government systems, their leadership responsibilities, governance processes, and their role in delivering services at the ward level.
Mr. Tau described the induction as the first of its kind in Central Province since the introduction of the 1995 Local-level Government reforms.
"According to our records, ward members have never undergone a formal induction after being elected. This is the first time the province has brought all ward members together to receive structured training," he said.
He said a similar induction for LLG Presidents and nominated Provincial Assembly representatives was successfully completed the previous week.
Mr. Tau said the province hopes to establish the induction as a standard practice after every Local-level Government election to ensure all newly elected leaders are properly prepared before taking up their responsibilities.
A total of about 320 participants, including ward members, LLG managers, District Administrators, District Local Government Advisors, National Development Commission representatives, facilitators, and provincial officers, are taking part in the program.
Mr. Tau acknowledged the support of the Central Provincial Administration and the province's five district administrations, saying the induction is jointly funded through a cost-sharing arrangement.
He also thanked the Acting Provincial Administrator and the Deputy Governor for committing funding to ensure all elected local leaders receive the training.
Mr. Tau said participants who successfully complete the program will receive certificates of participation in recognition of their commitment to improving local governance.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the week-long induction would better equip ward members to return to their communities and provide stronger leadership and more effective service delivery across Central Province.
