In a bid to reshape Kenya’s public service and render it more agile, efficient, and responsive while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei convened a consultative forum at the Kenya School of Government. This forum, attended by Principal Secretaries, Chairpersons, and Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations, Chairpersons of Audit Committees, and Heads of Internal Audit Units, sets the stage for a transformative journey toward a more citizen-centric public service.
Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)
At the heart of this transformation lies the unwavering commitment to the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This agenda strives to ensure that Kenyan citizens receive timely and high-quality public services. The consultative forum played a crucial role in aligning strategies with BETA’s overarching vision.
Zero Fault Audit Campaign
A key highlight of the forum was the imminent launch of the Zero Fault Audit Campaign for the 2023/2024 Financial Year. This comprehensive initiative outlines a multifaceted approach. It includes the imperative to resolve all outstanding audit queries from previous assessments by October 2, 2023, and a steadfast commitment to avoiding new audit queries throughout the fiscal year 2023/24. Proactive measures such as identifying and addressing potential audit concerns, along with robust sensitization, training, and education programs for staff, form integral parts of this campaign. Additionally, a meticulous tracking system at the management level will ensure that audit issues are promptly addressed. Furthermore, a forthcoming database will be introduced to evaluate the performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across various parameters, including their performance in audits. Public entities are strongly encouraged to embrace legal audits as a proactive tool for ensuring compliance, preempting potential legal disputes, and reducing unnecessary legal expenses.
Celebrating Excellence and Outstanding Achievement
To motivate outstanding performance, the forum launched the Public Service Exemplary Leaders – Stellar Performance Awards Scheme (PSEL-SPAS). This prestigious awards scheme aims to instill a culture of over-achievement and excellence among public entities. It serves as recognition for the values, principles, and ethics expected from public officers in the execution of their duties. Remarkably, the assessment process for these awards is set to commence immediately, igniting a drive for exemplary performance among public entities.
Empowering Regulatory Authorities for BETA Success
Recognizing the pivotal role of regulatory authorities as change catalysts within the BETA framework, the forum emphasized their significance. Currently, 87% of regulatory authorities and agencies require substantive policy, legal, and regulatory improvements to enhance their performance. In alignment with BETA’s overarching vision, these regulatory bodies are called upon to initiate the necessary changes to effectively bridge performance gaps.
This consultative forum represents a watershed moment in Kenya’s relentless pursuit of a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric public service. The combination of the Zero Fault Audit Campaign, the introduction of PSEL-SPAS awards, and the enhanced role of regulatory authorities presents an extraordinary opportunity for transformative change. Together, they symbolize the promise of a revitalized public service that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the Kenyan people. This marks a significant stride along Kenya’s journey toward inclusive economic transformation and underscores the commitment to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.