Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Margaret Kobia, has cautioned public servants against compromising on transparency and accountability, while delivering services to the citizenry.
Prof. Kobia said as Government officers, they should always lead by example in demonstrating best practices, when discharging their duties.
She challenged chairpersons of various State Corporations and management, to put in place service delivery innovations that encompass Covid-19 recovery strategies and plans.
Prof. Kobia noted that last years’ service delivery was adversely affected in all sectors of the economy by the global pandemic and reiterated that public service, must be provided in an efficient and effective way, to ensure that service delivery reaches all citizens.
“This calls for innovative solutions, to the challenges brought about by the effects of the pandemic and well-being of our people,” Kobia added.
The CS was speaking, Wednesday, during the signing of 18th Cycle of Financial Year 2020/2021 Performance Contracting for Principal Secretaries and respective Chairpersons of State Corporations, in the reconstituted Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes, at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete.
Prof Kobia said the performance contract will accord the Principal Secretaries and Chairpersons of State Corporations an opportunity to implement performance targets, that are aligned to the Ministry’s Strategic Plans, key priorities and the government’s national development agenda.
“As a Ministry, we provide key foundations and enablers towards the achievement of Vision 2030, notably Public Sector Reforms, National Values and Ethics and ending drought emergencies,” Kobia said, urging staff to co-operate and work in harmony.
She told staff in both the Ministry and State Corporations, that they have a responsibility to analyse and reconfigure the service delivery mechanisms that work effectively for their respective clientele.
Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Rachel Shebesh, told staff at the Ministry to redouble their efforts, following the additional State Departments, to enable them offer effective services.
She at the same time commended the work the Ministry has undertaken in transforming Public Service, empowering the youth and women, championing gender equality and equity, social protection and management of senior citizens affairs, and development of ASAL areas and special programmes.
Principal Secretary State Department for Public Service, Mary Kimonye, commended the job done by the Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), which she rated as satisfactory.
“I am proud to report that in many cases, our SAGAs are doing an excellent job in serving our citizens,’’ Kimonye said.
The Principal Secretary State Department for Gender, Prof. Colletta Suda, stated that her Department is working with development partners, civil society organisations and private sector institutions, to ensure that they prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence.
Present at the event were the Chief Administrative Secretary, Beatrice Elachi, Principal Secretary for Social Protection, Senior Citizens and Special Programmes, Nelson Marwa and the Principal Secretary State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, Mr. Micah Powon, besides other senior government officials.
By Hamdi Mohamud
