Kenya’s innovative public sector reforms were in the spotlight today as Dr. George Simataa, Namibian Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, led a delegation on a benchmarking mission.
The delegation was hosted by Mr. Eliud Owalo, Kenya’s Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, responsible for Delivery and Performance Management. The visit showcased Kenya’s transformative approach to public service delivery.
The high-level discussions centered on Kenya’s adoption of performance contracting and delivery management frameworks, which have been crucial in driving accountability and efficiency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
These systems align institutional deliverables with strategic national goals, particularly the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the broader Vision 2030 blueprint.
Mr. Owalo emphasized Kenya’s focus on five priority areas under BETA:
- Agricultural Transformation and Inclusive Growth – Initiatives aimed at improving food security and boosting farmer incomes.
- The MSME Economy – Strengthening small businesses through credit access, capacity building, and market linkages.
- Housing and Settlement – Delivering affordable housing units to address urban housing shortages.
- Healthcare – Enhancing access to quality healthcare services across the country.
- The Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy – Expanding digital infrastructure and creating tech-driven employment opportunities.
Dr. Simataa praised Kenya’s progress, noting its potential to serve as a model for public service transformation across Africa. He expressed particular interest in Kenya’s systematic approach to linking performance contracts with measurable outcomes and national development objectives.
Kenya’s performance management system ensures that MDAs are not only aligned with government priorities but are also held accountable for delivering tangible results. This approach has positioned the country as a leader in public sector innovation and governance reforms, with a clear focus on inclusive development and economic growth.
The Namibian delegation is expected to engage further with Kenyan officials, visit various MDAs, and explore practical ways of implementing similar frameworks in Namibia’s public service. This visit underscores the growing recognition of Kenya’s reforms as a benchmark for efficiency and effectiveness in Africa’s public sector.
