Public Sector Reforms key to Efficient and Accountable Service Delivery, Says PS Dokota
The Principal Secretary for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota PhD, CBS, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to deepening Public Sector Reforms, saying the transformation agenda remains central to building an efficient, accountable and citizen-focused public service.
Speaking during a workshop on the evaluation of existing Public Sector Reform policies, frameworks and programmes, Dr. Dokota said reforms undertaken over the years have already yielded significant gains in the way Government institutions operate and deliver services to citizens. He pointed to improvements in performance management systems, increased transparency through digitization, and stronger coordination in the implementation of national development programmes.
PS Dokota observed that reforms are no longer optional in a rapidly evolving governance environment where citizens expect timely, efficient and transparent services from public institutions. He said the Government remains focused on strengthening systems that promote productivity, accountability and responsiveness across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
According to Dr. Dokota, digitization has played a major role in modernising public administration by reducing inefficiencies, streamlining processes and improving access to services. He noted that technology continues to be a key enabler in enhancing public trust and ensuring that Government institutions remain responsive to the needs of wananchi.
However, the PS cautioned that despite the progress registered, a number of challenges continue to slow the pace of reform implementation. He cited uneven application of reform measures across institutions, capacity gaps in some agencies, and weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation systems that make it difficult to fully measure impact and sustain progress.
He said the ongoing review of Public Sector Reforms presents an opportunity for Government to take stock of what has worked, identify persistent gaps and redesign interventions that can deliver stronger results. “This review process is both timely and necessary as we seek to guide the next phase of transformation within the public sector,” he said.
Dr. Dokota further reaffirmed the role of the State Department for Cabinet Affairs in providing oversight and policy direction to ensure reforms remain aligned with national priorities. He said the Department will continue championing accountability measures, strengthen institutional coordination and promoting a results-based culture within Government.
He called for a sustainable reform agenda anchored on measurable outcomes, innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery. He added that public institutions must remain agile and adaptive in order to respond effectively to emerging governance challenges and changing citizen expectations.
Speaking at the same forum, Dr. Ann Kangethe, Director of the Kenya School of Government, urged public officers to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in the execution of their duties. She said public servants carry the image of Government and must therefore maintain the highest standards of discipline and service delivery.
Dr. Kangethe noted that public trust is one of the most valuable assets of any Government institution and can only be sustained when officers align their daily responsibilities with national development priorities. She challenged public officers to embrace a culture of excellence, accountability and responsiveness in their interactions with citizens.
The workshop brought together officers tasked with reviewing reform frameworks and exploring strategies for improving governance systems across the public sector. Deliberations focused on strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, enhancing institutional performance, and leveraging technology to modernise service delivery.
The renewed push for reforms comes at a time when the Government is increasingly prioritising efficiency, prudent use of public resources and better service delivery outcomes. With senior officials reiterating the importance of accountability and professionalism, the message from the forum was clear: a modern and effective public service remains critical to the country’s development agenda.