Kisumu: Kisumu governor Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o has called on the public service employees to revolutionize and adapt to the changing times in this era of technology and expanded space, where the public is demanding better services, efficiency, and accountability. Prof. Nyong'o said the public sector of the future must be adaptive and forward-looking, pegged on technology and inclusivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor's remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Ochieng` Owili during the 2nd East Africa Youth Parliament (EAYP) high-level seminar on strategic leadership and governance in Kisumu. The three-day seminar themed Empowering Ethical Leadership and Governance: Building a Sustainable Public Sector Future had participants drawn from youth leaders across East Africa. It sought to lay the groundwork for a public sector that is efficient, just, resilient, and prepared to tackle future challenges.
Prof. Nyong'o emphasized the need to harness technology for sustainable service delivery, arguing that it is crucial not just to automate old processes but to transform governance fundamentally. He highlighted Kisumu's efforts to digitize services to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption, pointing out that technology has the potential to foster transparency through open data portals and deepen democracy through digital platforms for public participation.
The governor also addressed the importance of ethical governance, stating that a government can have the best plans and technology, but without a foundation of integrity, it will crumble under corruption and public mistrust. He described ethical governance as the software that runs the hardware of the state, emphasizing the significance of building a culture of integrity in everyday decisions.
Prof. Nyong'o further spoke on the necessity of promoting inclusivity in a future-ready government, urging leaders to break down barriers and champion inclusivity to ensure the voices of youth and women are heard. He stressed that sustainable public sectors focus on long-term planning, like developing County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), and making decisions that prioritize lasting impact over short-term popularity.
Additionally, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmurijo emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth issues, noting that they form the largest section of the population with unique needs and challenges. The President of the East Africa Youth Parliament Jeremiah Mumo Kisangau and Secretary General Kevin Mugwe highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in managing funds allocated to the youth parliament.
The East Africa Youth Parliament (EAYP), founded in 2007 and affiliated with the East African Community (EAC), aims to empower youth and foster their meaningful participation in regional development processes. EAYP advocates for youth issues, including leadership, governance, and entrepreneurship, and its membership is inclusive, drawn from EAC member states.