Nairobi: The Chairperson of the South African Public Service Commission (PSC) and Chairperson of the SADC Public Service Commissions Forum, Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, accompanied by PSC South Africa Commissioner Prof. Mandla Makhanya, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Mr. Francis Meja, at the Commission house in Nairobi. The visit aimed to bolster bilateral relations and explore shared interests in public service transformation, digitalisation, institutional resilience, and knowledge sharing.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Fikeni and Prof. Makhanya’s visit to Nairobi was part of AUDA-NEPAD’s high-level policy and field engagement delegation. Their engagements included discussions with Strathmore University and Strathmore Business School on digital education, institutional resilience, and South-South cooperation. During the meeting, Mr. Meja highlighted the critical role of public service commissions in advancing Africa’s development agenda and enhancing public service delivery efficiency.
Mr. Meja also emphasized the Commission’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, which include capacity-building programs designed to equip public servants with emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed the necessity of positioning public service institutions at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation through investment in skills, innovation, and partnerships to deliver efficient and citizen-centered services.
Prof. Fikeni highlighted the importance of continuously strengthening the capacity of commissioners and public service institutions to tackle emerging challenges. He pointed out the need for enhanced skills in areas like Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics, values and ethics, and alternative dispute resolution within the public sector. The meeting also focused on the progress and future direction of the African Association of Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS), emphasizing the strengthening of knowledge-sharing platforms and expanding the Association’s reach to include public service institutions from North and Central Africa.
The courtesy visit reinforced the shared commitment of the two Commissions to fortifying African public service institutions, promoting innovation and digital transformation, and fostering regional and continental cooperation for improved service delivery.
