Kwale County, Kenya — October 24, 2025
A new chapter in Kenya’s public administration unfolded today in Kwale County as the 2025 Annual Convention of the National Head of Public Service and County Secretaries officially kicked off, bringing together the country’s top public sector minds under one roof.
The three-day convention was officially opened by Mr. Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, who presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest, alongside Council of Governors (COG) Chairman, FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi, the Governor of Wajir County.
In his keynote address, Mr. Koskei emphasized the urgent need for synergy between the National and County Governments, noting that Kenya’s development ambitions depend on “a coordinated, accountable, and citizen-centered public service.”
“Effective service delivery can only be achieved when both levels of government work together seamlessly, with a shared focus on the people we serve,” Koskei stated, urging greater accountability and innovation across public institutions.
On his part, COG Chairman FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi reaffirmed the success of devolution but raised concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks that threaten its sustainability.
“Devolution is working and must be protected at all costs,” Abdullahi said. “However, delays in the disbursement of funds by the Office of the Controller of Budget have become a major hindrance to smooth county operations.”
The convention has drawn delegates from all 47 counties and features high-level panel discussions led by senior government officials, including Dr. Raymond Omollo (PS, Interior), Dr. Ouma Oluga (PS, Medical Services), Ms. Margaret Nyakang’o (Controller of Budget), Mr. Kithinji Kiragu (Chairperson, Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee), and Ambassador Monica Juma (Secretary, National Security Council).
This year’s theme — “Building a Citizen-Centered and Accountable Public Service” — focuses on service delivery challenges, governance and accountability, anti-corruption strategies, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) rollout, Kenya’s competitiveness, and county budget execution.
Representing Siaya County, Mr. Joseph Ogutu, County Secretary and Head of Public Service, expressed his county’s readiness to adopt innovative practices shared during the sessions.
“Siaya remains committed to fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsive governance. We look forward to implementing lessons from this forum to better serve our citizens,” Mr. Ogutu affirmed.
The convention, a first of its kind, seeks to strengthen intergovernmental coordination, enhance efficiency, and foster peer learning among senior administrators. It will conclude with a joint communiqué outlining actionable resolutions aimed at accelerating public service reforms, entrenching devolution, and improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
As the sun sets over the coastal skies of Kwale, the message from Kenya’s top public servants is clear — collaboration, accountability, and citizen focus will define the next phase of governance.
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