ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 23 – Kenya has presented its public service reform agenda at the 10th Africa Public Service Day celebrations, positioning itself as a model for inclusive and citizen-centered governance on the continent.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Mr. Bongo Wekesa, Secretary MC & DS, outlined the country’s progress in reshaping its public service institutions.
The reforms are anchored in provisions of the 2010 Constitution, which mandates public participation, service delivery standards, and equity in resource distribution. Key initiatives highlighted include Huduma Kenya, which centralizes access to government services, and its rural outreach extension, Huduma Mashinani.
Kenya has also implemented affirmative funding programs such as the Youth Enterprise Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, and Equalization Fund, along with procurement quotas under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) scheme.
Devolution was cited as a structural reform that has decentralized governance through 47 county governments. The move has improved service responsiveness and public oversight, particularly in previously underserved regions.
Looking ahead, the government plans to train public servants in artificial intelligence starting July 2025, part of a wider digital transformation agenda aimed at enhancing public sector efficiency and responsiveness.
The presentation drew interest from other African nations attending the event, with several delegates expressing intent to study Kenya’s approach for possible adaptation.
