Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei recently outlined the roles that former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo will play in the government as the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management. Owalo’s appointment is a strategic move by President William Ruto to strengthen the government’s focus on the effective implementation of revitalized priority projects and programs across all ministries, State Departments, and Parastatals.
Overseeing Performance Management
Owalo’s primary responsibility will be to oversee performance management throughout the public service, ensuring that the government’s flagship projects and priority programs are implemented effectively and on time. He will have oversight of the Public Service Performance Management Unit (PSPMU) and the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), two key entities responsible for tracking and enhancing the performance of government initiatives.
Koskei emphasized the critical nature of Owalo’s role, stating, “The role entails oversight of both the Public Service Performance Management Unit (PSPMU) and the Government Delivery Unit (GDU).” This dual oversight is intended to streamline performance management processes, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensure that government programs are aligned with President Ruto’s broader vision for the nation.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
As Deputy Chief of Staff, Owalo will coordinate performance management across the entire government, ensuring that ministries, state departments, and agencies adhere to set performance standards. His role involves developing and maintaining effective delivery mechanisms for the administration’s programs and institutionalizing performance contracting to enhance accountability and transparency in public service.
Owalo will also play a pivotal role in monitoring and evaluating the performance of civil servants, ensuring that public servants are meeting the targets and goals set by the administration. This function is expected to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the public service, driving better outcomes for citizens.
Additionally, Owalo will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the administration’s flagship programs and projects under the Building a Better Tomorrow Agenda (BETA). This involves not only monitoring progress but also ensuring that any challenges or delays are promptly addressed to keep the projects on track.
Liaison with Ministries and Agencies
A key component of Owalo’s role will be liaising with various ministries, state departments, and agencies on issues related to performance management and the delivery of priority government projects and programs. According to Koskei, “Informed by the foregoing, the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff in the discharge of their mandate shall be required to liaise with Ministries, state departments, and Agencies on all issues pertaining to performance management and delivery of priority government projects and programmes.”
This liaison function is critical for fostering collaboration across government sectors, breaking down silos, and ensuring that all arms of government are working towards common objectives. By maintaining open lines of communication, Owalo aims to create a more cohesive and responsive government that can effectively deliver on its promises to the public.
Background and Previous Experience
Owalo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy since 2022. His tenure as CS was marked by efforts to digitize government services and improve digital infrastructure in the country. His appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff comes after President Ruto dissolved his previous Cabinet to form a new broad-based government, aiming to bring in fresh perspectives and enhance the delivery of public services.
With his extensive background in management and public administration, Owalo is well-positioned to lead the government’s performance and delivery management efforts. His focus on results and accountability aligns with President Ruto’s vision of a more efficient and responsive government, poised to tackle the challenges facing the nation.
As Owalo steps into his new role, the public will be watching closely to see how his leadership impacts the implementation of government projects and programs, and whether he can drive the transformative changes that the administration seeks to achieve.
