Kenya: Kenya has joined other African countries in marking Africa Public Service Day (APSD) 2026, with leaders advocating for stronger public institutions, innovations, and partnerships to promote access to water and sanitation across the continent.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi and was themed ‘Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-stakeholder Partnerships to achieve universal water and safe sanitation by 2063.’ Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs Cabinet Secretary Geoffery Ruku emphasized the centrality of access to water and sanitation to sustainable development, public health, food production, industrial growth, and social equity.
Ruku stated that the challenge is not just about providing water and sanitation services but ensuring these services are reliable, affordable, sustainable, climate-resilient, and accessible to every citizen. He further stressed the importance of strong public institutions and multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the sustainable development goals.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the accelerated Public Service Reforms should focus on results and quality of service delivery rather than mere attendance at workplaces. He underscored the need to meet the needs and expectations of citizens seeking services in public institutions effectively.
Ruku reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a responsive, accountable, and citizen-centered public service capable of addressing emerging challenges while supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and economic transformation agenda.
Public Service and Human Capital Development Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Imbunya noted the critical role of effective institutions and strategic partnerships in securing access to safe water and sanitation. She emphasized that water is fundamental to life, health, dignity, food security, environmental stability, and economic prosperity.
Dr. Imbunya highlighted innovations transforming water and sanitation services, such as solar-powered water systems, groundwater mapping technologies, smart metering, digital payment platforms, and modern water treatment solutions, which have improved public health and reduced waterborne diseases.
The Principal Secretary also commended President William Ruto’s national tree-growing campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a measure aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. The two-day celebration is set to bring together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and public servants to share experiences and explore solutions for improving service delivery and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
