The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Justin Muturi, has reassured that the government is committed to efficiency in government operations and public service delivery.
Speaking, Tuesday, at Harambee House during a high-level two-year performance contract appraisal review meeting, attended by the Secretary to Cabinet, Mercy Wanjau and Deputy Chief of Staff, Eliud Owalo, Muturi said civil service continues to play a critical role in the delivery of public services.
He promised that his Ministry will remain steadfast, vigilant and alert to indicators ranging from policy, legislative as well as human support issues and government communication that were agreed upon during the first and second high-level Cabinet retreats in Nanyuki and Naivasha.
Muturi specifically lauded the Huduma Kenya Service centers for improving service delivery across Kenya and noted that this milestone reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, accessibility and convenience for citizens.
“These centers have played a vital role in reducing bureaucracy and wait-time for government services and citizens can now access multiple services in a single location, improving overall efficiency and satisfaction,” he said.
Wanjau emphasized the critical importance to continuously review progress of all targets set by various ministries and government departments, to ensure set objectives are met in a timely manner.
She underscored that the government’s performance hinges on efficiency and accountability across all levels of the public service, and stressed that delays in delivering outlined key services and development targets, could impede national development.
The Secretary firmly stated that achieving set targets is not optional, adding that it is a reflection of the government to the citizens.
“This session is aimed at reviewing the progress of key projects and setting benchmarks for the Ministry’s future operations,” she added.
During the deliberations, several key resolutions were agreed upon to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public service operations.
Owalo gave an undertaking that the government is keen on ensuring bills are cleared within the current Financial Year (FY), ensuring not more than one percent of pending bills, spill over into the following year’s budget.
This move, he said, aims to reduce financial backlogs and streamline fiscal management, with the goal of more timely releases of exchequer funds.
Owalo emphasized the need for proper utilization of donor funds, ensuring that the monies are allocated strictly for their intended purposes. This is part of the broader agenda to uphold transparency and avoid mismanagement of external funding.
He called on public servants to be proactive in monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programs and regularly assess their progress and address challenges swiftly.
With the resolutions, the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development is poised to embark on a transformative journey, aiming at improving service delivery and strengthen accountability within the public sector.
The leadership is optimistic that the changes will lead to a more efficient and transparent public service that better serves the people of Kenya.
Present were Principal Secretaries, Amos Gathecha (Public Service), Dr. Idris Dokota (Cabinet Affairs) among other senior government representatives from the Ministry of Public Service, Cabinet Affairs Office and Government Delivery Unit.
By Jevvah M. Kiplimo
