Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called on Parliament to approve increased budgetary allocations, cautioning that persistent underfunding threatens the efficiency of government programs and the delivery of essential services.
Speaking before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour, Muturi underscored the need for strategic investments in human capital development. He pointed out funding gaps that have stalled key initiatives, including civil servant training, Huduma Kenya centers, and human resource certification programs.
One of the major concerns raised by the CS was the budget cuts affecting the Kenya School of Government (KSG), a crucial institution for training public servants. He warned that financial constraints had significantly reduced training opportunities, leading to competency gaps that impact service delivery.
“The Kenya School of Government is a cornerstone for capacity building in the public service. However, continued budget cuts have reduced training opportunities, creating competency gaps that impact service delivery,” Muturi stated.
He urged lawmakers to restore funding to KSG, emphasizing that a well-trained workforce is vital for effective policy implementation.
Additionally, Muturi highlighted the financial challenges faced by the Huduma Kenya program, which provides centralized government services across the country. He revealed that previous budget reductions had stalled multiple Huduma projects, restricting citizens’ access to crucial services.
“Huduma Kenya is designed to bring government services closer to the people, but without sufficient funding, many of its projects cannot move forward,” he noted, appealing to lawmakers to prioritize its financing.
The CS also called for increased support for the Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB), which certifies HR professionals in the public sector. He stressed that investing in HR certification and training is essential for enhancing governance and service efficiency.
“A competent and well-trained workforce is at the heart of efficient governance. Investing in HR certification and training is not a luxury but a necessity,” he remarked.
While acknowledging financial constraints, Muturi insisted that resource allocation should prioritize critical government institutions to prevent service disruptions.
“We cannot afford to underfund the very institutions that keep government services running. A well-equipped public service is the backbone of effective governance,” he reiterated.
The Ministry now awaits the committee’s decision on the proposed supplementary budget, which could determine the future of several critical public service initiatives.
