CS MUTURI LEADS KENYA IN STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY WITH SPAT PILOT

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Hon. Justin Muturi, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening public service accountability by championing the piloting of the State Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT). The framework, designed to standardize monitoring and evaluation across African Union (AU) member states, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery within government institutions.  

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a capacity-building workshop at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, Hon. Muturi emphasized the transformative role of SPAT in ensuring that public service adheres to the highest standards of governance.  

“This tool is not just a reporting mechanism; it is a game-changer in how we monitor, evaluate, and improve service delivery. By adopting SPAT, Kenya is taking a bold step in aligning with global best practices, ensuring that public service is synonymous with transparency and accountability,” said Muturi.  

The workshop, supported by the African Union Commission (AUC), brought together directors and heads of human resource management from various government ministries. Hon. Muturi stressed that beyond piloting the tool, public servants must internalize and uphold the values of the African Charter on Public Service and Administration in their daily work.  

“We must not just adopt this tool; we must live the values it represents. Public service must be built on trust, equity, and efficiency. Kenya is more than capable of achieving the objectives laid out in this Charter,” he added.  

Kenya joins Namibia, Tanzania, and South Africa in piloting SPAT, reinforcing its leadership in public service transformation. Hon. Muturi urged the AUC to refine and digitalize the SPAT tool to enhance accessibility and strengthen peer learning among member states.  

Principal Secretary for Public Service, Mr. Amos Gatheca, echoed the CS’s sentiments, calling for proactive implementation of the tool within government ministries.  

“I urge participants of this sensitization conference to create champions in your ministries who will implement this tool. We look forward to seeing how SPAT will contribute to shaping service delivery across the continent,” Gatheca stated.  

As the workshop concluded, Hon. Muturi reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to upholding the values of the African Charter, ensuring a public service sector that is accountable, transparent, and efficient.  

“Kenya remains at the forefront of public service transformation, and we will lead by example. Through cooperation, commitment, and shared values, we are building a service-oriented government that truly serves its people,” he declared.  

The adoption of SPAT marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s governance reforms, with Hon. Muturi leading efforts to institutionalize best practices for enhanced service delivery across the public sector.