Renewed hope for stalled reforms in Public Service docket after latest leadership changes
Dr. Imbunya stressed the value of partnership and open dialogue in achieving effective service delivery.
President William Ruto's long-held promise to transform public service through radical reforms is the centre of focus following the new changes at the Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
Ruto's promise to restore dignity and ensure fair compensation will be the focus at a time when his administration is grappling with a huge wage bill and struggles to streamline the government's workforce.
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On Tuesday, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya officially assumed the role of Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development at a handover ceremony held at Harambee House.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of Amos Gathecha's tenure in the position.
Gathecha now continues his service as the Deputy Head of Public Service. The ceremony was attended by Chief Executive Officers of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), departmental heads, and senior officials within the Ministry.
Dr. Imbunya stressed the value of partnership and open dialogue in achieving effective service delivery.
"We must co-create solutions that elevate our public service," she said.
"Every voice must be heard, every idea respected, because that's how we ensure every Kenyan feels the positive impact of our work."
She emphasised her commitment to championing mental wellness and work-life balance in the public sector, noting that healthy and supported employees are vital to sustainable service delivery. "Taking care of ourselves, our work, and our families without compromising any of them is essential," she added.
Dr.Jane Kere Imbunya taking over as as the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development from Amos Gathecha on April 22, 2025. (Photo: Handout)
Ongoing initiatives
Outgoing Principal Secretary Gathecha highlighted several ongoing initiatives within the department, including the Human Resource Management and Development Bill, which is awaiting Cabinet approval before being tabled in Parliament. He also pointed to the development and rollout of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), a landmark project built internally through multi-agency collaboration.
"The HRIS is already in use. The payroll system is operational, and integration with other government institutions is ongoing. It covers staff establishment, organisational structure, training, and more, elements central to the President's performance-based governance approach," he noted.
Gathecha also reflected on reforms within the National Youth Service (NYS), which he helped commercialise in line with President William Ruto's directive to grow NYS recruitment from 5,000 to 100,000 by 2028, ensuring financial self-reliance for the institution.
Addressing staff welfare, he revealed that over 16,000 civil servants accessed counselling services in 2024 alone, a statistic that underscores the increasing focus on mental health in public administration.
In his final remarks, Gathecha called on all directors, agency heads, and senior leaders to support Dr. Imbunya as she takes the reins.
"This is a moment of continuity, not closure," he said. "I urge every leader present to walk closely with the new Principal Secretary as we advance the Department's strategic agenda for a stronger, more people-centred public service."
Following mass protests targeting his government over maladministration, Ruto picked the Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who vowed to revamp the government's internship programme to cover State agencies and the private sector.
Muturi, upon his nomination, called for more transparency on hiring for government jobs, efficient service delivery, and an urgent recognition and reward scheme for diligent public servants.
MPs asked Muturi to step in and address the corruption, tribalism, poor service delivery, career stagnation, low morale due to delayed promotions, and poor succession planning in the public service.
"This is a thorn in the entire gamut of public service. There's a lot of opaqueness," said Muturi about the hiring, and vowed to work to clean up the lethargy in government offices..
He told MPs that he will not abolish the permanent and pensionable terms for public servants to allow for the uninterrupted delivery of public services and the stability of government, more so during political transitions.
In his view, urgent reforms were needed to obtain the relevant skills needed for efficient service delivery when hiring for government jobs.
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