Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Hon. Justin Muturi has challenged African Public Service Commissions to leverage technology in enhancing efficiency in service delivery. The CS said this on 6th November 2024, when he presided over the opening ceremony of the Association of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS) 6th General Assembly at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
“ In embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, African Public Service Commissions must aim to build a public service that attracts young talent and leverages automation and Artificial intelligence (Ai) to deliver essential services efficiently and transparently” said Hon. Muturi.
Further, the CS noted that Commissions must perform their roles diligently while promoting good governance, noting that forming the AAPSCOMS enabled various African nations to come together and share noble ideas that promote efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President, Eastern Africa Region and Chairman of Public Service Commission, Kenya Amb. Anthony Muchiri emphasized the need for the continent to embrace technology, noting that it is crucial in enabling public service to move to the next level in fostering economic growth, inclusive development and service delivery.
“ With the evolving challenges in the 21st century, rapid technological advancement and a young and urbanizing demography, the Public Service Commissions need to
leverage innovation and technology to enhance more efficient and effective methods of service delivery and to create solutions to current challenges,” said Amb.Muchiri. Dr. Choolwe Beyani, President , Association of African Public Service Commissions and Chairperson, Civil Service Commission of Zambia said the theme of the meeting could not have come at a better time as governments seek to transform and become accountable to the public.
“PSCs should continue to share the good practices as they carry the responsibility that there is continuity as holders, which should be passed to the next generation,” he said. Mr. Baboucarr Suware, the Vice President, West Africa Region and Chairperson, Public Service Commission of The Gambia said the conference provides the commissions an opportunity to reflect on their roles in order to promote good governance and service delivery in respective public services. He said their views were critical in rejuvenating APPSCOMS agenda.
The three-day conference that brought together delegates from 10 African countries namely Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa ,Tanzania, the Gambia, Zambia and Kenya and representatives from Cameroon, Uganda and Egypt to collaborate to deliberate on ways of supporting PSCs to develop and implement strategies that can improve service delivery in public service. The conference closing ceremony will be on 8th November 2024 marked with a farewell dinner at Safari Park Hotel.
