The national government is committed to advancing digital transformation in public administration, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha has said.
He said the State Department for Public Service must lead in adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, given its central role in national development.
Gathecha said the government is taking significant steps to harness the transformative potential of AI to enhance public service delivery.
“This is not just a discussion about the future, it’s about making bold decisions today to ensure a responsive, efficient and future-ready public service,” he said.
Gathecha was speaking in Mombasa during the launch of the Kenya Regional Administration and Management Symposium, spearheaded by the State Department for Public Service and the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy.
The symposium brought together stakeholders to explore the growing impact of AI in government operations under the theme: “Smart governance: How artificial intelligence is shaping public administration”.
Gathecha also underscored the significance of the Directorate of Smart Governance within the Executive Office of the President, describing it as a strategic initiative to align government operations with the digital age.
“The integration of AI into the public sector is underway. From automating the filtering of millions of job applications to creating systems that notify citizens on crucial documentation, AI is reshaping how government delivers services,” he said.
Public Service and Human Capital Development PS Jane Imbunya highlighted the need for clarity and tech-savvy structures in governance.
“Smart governance must be specific, measurable, accurate, relevant and time-bound,” she said.
Imbunya urged public institutions to embrace the paradigm shift brought about by emerging technologies, citing the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritises digital infrastructure and innovation.
“As automation reaches exponential levels, we must remain aware of the ethical dimensions of AI. In public service, AI must be grounded in ethical standards and principles,” she said.
The PS said the eCitizen platform has revolutionised government services, reduced bureaucracy, enhanced transparency and curbed corruption by minimising human interaction.
She said the platform is a landmark initiative in Kenya’s journey towards smart, AI-driven governance.
African Association for Public Administration and Management secretary general George Scott stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors to unlock the full potential of a tech-driven public service.
