Kenya’s Commitment to Strengthening Public Service Through the African Charter
Kenya reaffirms its commitment to the African Charter on Public Service principles, emphasizing collective action for excellence, transparency, and accountability in public service. Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha highlighted the significance of the State Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT) during a recent workshop, urging adoption among public service institutions.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Justin Muturi, has reinforced the nation’s dedication to the principles outlined in the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. During the closing ceremony of a workshop aimed at enhancing the capabilities of directors and Human Resource Management heads at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, he emphasized collective action in pursuit of a public service characterized by excellence and equity.
Emphasizing cooperation and shared values, Muturi stated, “Through cooperation, commitment, and shared values, we will foster the growth of transparent, accountable, and efficient public service institutions that serve our citizens with dedication and pride.” He noted that the objectives of the charter align with Article 232 of the Kenyan Constitution, which promotes transparent service delivery through the harmonization of policies among member states.
Muturi highlighted that various member states like Namibia, Tanzania, and South Africa have piloted the State Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT), advocating for Kenya to adopt and integrate it into its public service reporting processes. He stated, “The adoption of the African Charter on values and principles of Public Service and Administration was done during the 16th Ordinary Session of the Heads of States and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”
The charter, which came into effect on July 23, 2016, aims to enhance public service delivery quality and combat corruption. Muturi urges that it is essential not only to adopt the charter’s principles but also to implement them daily within workplaces, stating the need for such values to be ingrained in Kenya’s Public Service.
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Service, Amos Gathecha, remarked that the three-day workshop equipped participants with tools to assess performance aligned with key values and principles. He encouraged participants to embrace this initiative by developing champions within their ministries to champion the tool’s application. “I want to urge you to take this seriously and create champions in your ministries who run with this tool,” Gathecha stated, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the assessment tool’s requirements.
In summary, the Kenyan government is committed to enhancing its public service by adopting the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. Through concerted efforts, Kenya aims to establish a transparent and accountable public service framework, setting a commendable standard for the African region. Continued engagement in workshops and the implementation of assessment tools will be pivotal in achieving these objectives.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
