KEPSA, led by the chairperson Ms Flora Mutahi, joined top government officials and other stakeholders in the official release of the report on the evaluation of the performance of Ministries, State Corporations and Tertiary Institutions for the FY 2021/2022. The event was held on 11^th April 2023 in Nairobi and officiated by H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.

The report was a result of the Annual Performance Evaluation that was undertaken between July and October 2022 by the Public Service Performance Management Unit in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. The evaluation is the culmination of the Annual Performance Contracting cycle comprising of negotiations of performance targets; vetting, review and signing of performance contracts; implementation and monitoring.

Speaking during the event, Ms Flora Mutahi said that KEPSA has played a crucial role in supporting performance management initiatives in several ways by providing expertise, tools and technological support. She went on to say that KEPSA advocates for policies that support growth and the development of businesses that promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the operations of Ministries, State Corporations and Tertiary Institutions.

Ms Flora Mutahi remarked that although the private sector is instrumental in driving growth and the engine of the economy, sustainable and inclusive growth is dependent on the public sector’s support to provide good policies, strong institutions and efficient services. “We look forward to a public sector that runs with a private sector business mindset, ensuring that the government delivers on its promise to the people of Kenya.” She added.

Other speakers at the event emphasised the role of performance evaluation in instilling the principles and values expressed in Article 232 of the Constitution.  They insisted that holders of public offices should be held accountable for how they use resources.

In his remarks, H.E Dr William Ruto noted that in the Constitution of Kenya, the Public Service is configured as the optimal instrument to effectively mediate between the government’s commitment and citizens’ aspirations. He also said that Kenya Kwanza’s Manifesto was developed through wide consultations that enabled the formulation of policy and strategic basis as well as formal charters containing actionable commitments to be implemented through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“We understand that our governing mandate is anchored on the deep understanding we have with the people of Kenya and that my performance contract as President is set in the Constitution and the agenda I sold with my team to the people of Kenya. This contract, therefore, sets out targets that the Government must achieve in feeding every Kenya, providing affordable housing, achieving universal healthcare, establishing necessary infrastructure for the expansive growth of digital and creative economies as well as creating millions of jobs through aggressive expansion of MSMEs including industrialisation.” Remarked President Ruto.

A total of 394 MDAs comprising 20 Ministries, State House, Office of the Deputy President and Office of the Attorney General & Department of Justice, 236 State Corporations and 135 Tertiary Institutions had their FY 2021/2022 Performance Contracts duly approved and implemented. According to the report, the best-performing ministry was Defence, followed by State House and Energy respectively. The University of Embu was announced as the best-performing state corporation followed by the National Irrigation Authority and Kenya University Research Referral and Teaching Hospital in the third position. The top three tertiary institutions were; Karumo Technical Training Institute, Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Katine Technical Training Institute respectively.