Kenya Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence in Public Service

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to the African Charter on Public Service, emphasizing values of excellence, trust, and equity. The government aims to adopt the State Parties Assessment Tool for standardized monitoring of public service and improve accountability. Speeches during the workshop reflect a strong commitment to reinforcing ethical governance through practice of charter principles.

Justin Muturi, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. During the closing ceremony of a workshop at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, he highlighted the government’s dedication to creating a public service marked by excellence, trust, and equity, aiming to set a benchmark across Africa.

Muturi emphasized that collaboration and shared values are essential for developing public service institutions characterized by transparency, accountability, and efficiency. He noted that the principles of the charter align with Article 232 of the Kenyan constitution, which focuses on ensuring transparent service delivery and harmonizing policies among member states.

He mentioned that several countries, including Namibia, Tanzania, and South Africa, have already piloted the State Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT). Kenya aims to adopt and integrate SPAT into its reporting processes to enhance standardized monitoring and reporting, thereby strengthening public service frameworks as outlined by the charter.

The charter, adopted during the 16th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of States, serves as a legally binding instrument for public service delivery that commenced on July 23, 2016. It promotes quality public service, combats corruption, and fosters capable states for accelerated development.

Muturi stressed the importance of embodying the charter’s principles in daily operations within public service institutions. He highlighted this as a unique opportunity for Kenya to uphold the objectives of the charter, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, trust, and equity in public service.

Amos Gathecha, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Service, noted that the three-day workshop was instrumental in assessing performance based on core values. He urged participants to engage with the SPAT tool, which contains 350 key items, emphasizing the need for focused attention to ensure compliance and foster a more effective and ethical public service.

In conclusion, Kenya’s commitment to the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration illustrates a proactive approach toward achieving excellence and transparency in public service. By adopting and integrating the State Parties Assessment Tool, the country aims to enhance accountability and efficiency, ultimately fostering a capable governance framework. The emphasis on daily practice of the charter’s principles signals a robust future for public service in Kenya.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke