Kenya

"Public Service Reform and Development Secretariat in Kenya."

The Public Service Reform and Development Secretariat (PSR&DS) was established in the Cabinet Office, Office of President in September 2004 with the mandate to coordinate all public sector reforms and mainstream Results Based Management (RBM) in the Public Service. The policy priorities for the PSRDS are to:

1. Introduce and institutionalize RBM in the public service.
2. Develop and sustain capacity for transformative leadership and management of results for Kenyans.
3. Building resource capacity for achieving 'Results for Kenyans'.
4. Deepen public sector reforms.
5. Coordinate highly skilled Human Resource base in the public service.

The PSR & DS seeks to transform the Public Service from a process orientation to a results management culture to facilitate the achievement of the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It also seeks to build the Institutional and leadership capacity for a results based management culture in the public service.

REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE REFORMS

This review of the Government's public service reform program under the Public Service Reforms and Development Secretariat (PSR&DS) was the first conducted jointly by the Government of Kenya and the development partners since the establishment of PSR&DS in November 2004.

The objectives of the review, held from April 30 to May 4, were to assess the progress of implementation of the 'Results for Kenyans' program since inception to January 2007, identify challenges and lessons learned, and provide specific recommendations on the way forward to facilitate smooth implementation of the program and ensure the sustainability of public sector reforms.

All members of the review team recognize the remarkable progress accomplished thus far, commend the PSR&DS staff for their hard work and appreciate the dedicated leadership provided by Ms. Joyce Nyamweya, Permanent Secretary, PSR&DS. The Permanent Secretary Ms Joyce Nyamweya did a presentation at the Resident Representative's Cluster meeting in Congo Brazzaville April 2007.

These milestones in public sector reform have been attained through capacity building by the UNDP Regional Service Centre in Johannesburg. UNDP-Kenya is specifically recognized for managing the basket and working closely with PSR&DS. H.E the President Mwai Kibaki was honored by UN system in Kenya for his efforts in reforming the public sector. He received a Vision Award.

KEY OUTPUTS FROM THE PSR&DS secretariat
1. Enhanced programme focus and input into design and development.
2. Improved development partner relations.
3. Appropriate procedures followed on use of the Basket Funds.
4. Effective support on management of retreats/workshops and other key forums.
5. Input to a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
6. Input to other strategies and processes required for the programme.
7. Best Practices and Lessons Learnt identified, documented and disseminated.