Innovation in Focus as Kenya Gears Up for Africa Public Service Day 2025

Kenya is set to mark Africa Public Service Day (APSD) 2025 with a three-day national celebration at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from June 10 to 12, spotlighting innovation as the driving force behind a modern, inclusive, and responsive public service.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, the event will bring together ministries, departments, agencies, and county governments to showcase transformative innovations that are reshaping public service delivery across the country.

Themed “Enhancing the Agility and Resilience of Public Institutions to Achieve Equitable Governance and Rapidly Address Historical Service Delivery Gaps,” this year’s APSD underscores the role of innovation in advancing equity, institutional adaptability, and citizen engagement.

A key highlight will be a national innovation showcase, featuring pioneering solutions by government institutions. These range from digital platforms enhancing access to government services, to reimagined models that address long-standing disparities, particularly for underserved communities. The most impactful innovations will be shortlisted for presentation at the continental APSD celebration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, later in June.

In a circular to public institutions, Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya urged full participation, framing the event as a strategic platform for institutions to align with national priorities, especially digital transformation and inclusive access. “APSD 2025 is more than a commemoration, it is a moment for reflection, learning, and commitment to better service delivery,” she said.

Principal Secretary for Public Service, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya. PHOTO/COURTESY

Beyond exhibitions, the event will feature a national symposium bringing together public servants, policy experts, and academics for in-depth discussions on institutional reform, agility, and accountability. Topics will include the role of technology, citizen-centred approaches, and case studies from both Kenya and beyond.

Unlike past APSD events that often centered on sector-specific achievements, the 2025 celebration shifts focus to the institutional foundations of governance. It aims to examine what makes public institutions adaptive, inclusive, and capable of delivering high-quality services, particularly to marginalized populations.

Kenya’s decision to hold the national event ahead of the continental celebration is strategic. It allows for rigorous evaluation and refinement of innovations, ensuring the country’s best contributions are primed for broader African adoption.

Established in 1994 by African Ministers responsible for Public and Civil Service, APSD continues to promote excellence, accountability, and transformation across the continent. Kenya’s 2025 observance reinforces its commitment to a future-ready, citizen-focused, and innovation-led public service.

Written By Rodney Mbua