Nairobi: The Public Service Commission (PSC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills within the public service through the Regional Centre of Competence (RCOC) programme. The partnership seeks to accelerate public sector transformation by enhancing digital competencies, promoting innovation, and preparing public servants for the future of work amid rapid technological advancement.
According to Kenya News Agency, PSC Chairperson Francis Meja emphasized the Commission’s commitment to modernizing the public service and positioning Kenya as a leader in digital transformation and AI adoption. Meja highlighted the necessity for the public service to adapt to emerging technologies and changing workplace dynamics to remain effective and responsive to citizens’ needs. He noted that the collaboration with UNDP extends beyond digital transformation and AI training, addressing broader issues affecting public service delivery, such as productivity, efficiency, values, and institutional culture.
Meja remarked on Kenya’s aspiration to become a first-world economy, underscoring the importance of addressing fundamental issues, including national values, to ensure successful implementation of development plans. He disclosed that the Commission has developed a reform framework aligned with its Strategic Plan 2025-2029 to guide transformation efforts within the public service and expressed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with development partners to develop a future-ready public service.
PSC Chief Executive Officer Paul Famba noted that digital transformation is central to improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. He commended UNDP for its continued support towards public sector reforms and highlighted the designation of technical officers to participate in thematic areas of the programme. Famba emphasized the collaborative model adopted under the programme, bringing together government institutions, development partners, academia, and the private sector to institutionalize digital competencies across the public service.
UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya Jean-Luc Stalon described public service transformation as central to UNDP’s global mandate, highlighting governance and efficient public service delivery as critical pillars of sustainable development. Stalon revealed that UNDP had invested approximately one million US dollars in the programme over the past three years, training about 30,000 civil servants in digital and AI skills, with a goal of reaching 100,000 officers this year. He called for an expansion of the partnership to include broader public service performance, governance, and integrity reforms, proposing a comprehensive programme to support public service excellence and institutional reforms in Kenya.
The MoU is expected to enhance collaboration between PSC and UNDP in building a digitally skilled, innovative, and citizen-centered public service capable of meeting evolving governance and service delivery needs in Kenya and the wider region.
