Waiguru launches ‘Huduma Kenya’ in fresh bid to reform public sector

By MWANIKI MUNUHE

Kenya: The Government yesterday officially launched a programme to introduce massive reforms within the public sector.

The programme will among others introduce a service delivery system, the first of its kind since independence, which will essentially make public service easily accessible at the click of a button.

Public servants will be required to work in shifts to ensure service is delivered even over lunch hour.

 The programme, dubbed ‘Huduma Kenya’, was launched by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru in an event attended by several principal secretaries involved in its implementation.

“Sufficient measures which will include arrangements to work in shifts so that service is available to citizens all the time must be put in place,” Waiguru said.

The programme uses a ‘one stop shop’ approach in reforming service delivery. This involves amalgamating related services within one building, possibly on the same floor, effectively making it possible for service seekers to access it conveniently.

Among the changes to be introduced in the public service include introduction of one stop Huduma Service Centres to provide customer services to citizens from a single location, online e-Huduma web portal to provide integrated services offered by various government ministries, departments and agencies and a unified and integrated channel Huduma payment gateway to facilitate ease of payment for government services.

Others are introduction of m-Huduma platform to offer M-Government services to citizens from their mobile phones and a Huduma call centre to provide customer service using a single dialing prefix.

 Waiguru said President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued specific guidelines and timeliness within which the two-phased programme will be implemented. Uhuru is expected to launch the first phase of the programme in a month’s time.