In an era defined by rapid technological change, complex development challenges, and evolving citizen expectations, the skills of our public servants are more critical than ever. The latest initiative launched at the Kenya School of Government marks a bold step toward building a future-ready public sector that is agile, accountable, and equipped to drive sustainable development across Africa.

On 30 July 2025, key policymakers, digital experts, and public sector leaders gathered at the Kenya School of Government for a landmark Validation Workshop on the new skilling programme designed to equip public servants with the tools to thrive in the digital and AI age. First launched in December 2024, the programme—spearheaded by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNDP and Microsoft—sets the foundation for rethinking how public institutions can become faster, fairer, and more future-ready from the inside out.

“This initiative is not just about digital skills; it is about transforming how governments work. It is about building confidence in institutions by ensuring public servants are empowered with the tools they need to serve better. When citizens experience services that are efficient, inclusive, and responsive, trust in government grows,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Madelena Monoja.

The curriculum, developed under the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, is structured to serve the entire public service hierarchy—from junior officers to top-tier leadership—through four progressive levels: Foundations, Application, Management, and Leadership. It integrates digital literacy, emerging technologies, data governance, ethical use of AI, and leadership in digital transformation. Most importantly, it is built on shared responsibility.

This effort directly aligns with national and continental priorities: the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya’s Fourth Medium-Term Plan under Vision 2030, the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

From understanding AI’s role in policymaking to mastering data privacy protocols, the programme equips leaders with practical skills to lead smarter, faster, and more accountably.

“We are investing in people,” said Dr. Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Service. “A digitally skilled public service is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Through this partnership, we are creating a future-ready civil service that truly serves the people.”

Digital transformation is not only about technology; it is about people, processes, and public purpose.

The power of this initiative lies in its co-creation. The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy brought policy muscle and digital governance leadership. The Ministry of Public Service contributed systems, structure, and reform expertise. Microsoft brought private sector innovation and tools to scale smartly and ethically. The Kenya School of Government brought implementation capacity and nationwide reach. UNDP brought a lens of inclusive governance and a deep commitment to building institutional trust.

As emphasized by Winnie Karanu, Microsoft’s AI National Skills Director:

“Digital transformation in the public sector requires more than tools. It requires vision, leadership, and trust. That’s what we’re building here together.”

The Kenya School of Government, as the lead implementer, embodies the institutional commitment needed to turn plans into national culture. Their leadership ensures this is not a one-time training, but a shift in how the public sector thinks, acts, and grows. Through them, the Centre will evolve into a living ecosystem—training civil servants, advising ministries, and fostering a culture of learning that outlives political cycles.

Poised to become a pan-African hub spreading across Rwanda to Nigeria, Malawi to Cape Verde, the Centre aims to support peer countries in building digital governance ecosystems that are local, resilient, and rooted in public service excellence.

And here’s where the subtle call lies: yes, the model is solid. It reflects a transformative framework for Africa’s governance landscape, and its future depends on sustained partnership, long-term resourcing, and political will. The foundation is laid. The proof of concept is clear. The partners are aligned. What’s needed now is more of the technical, financial, and human fuel to turn this flame into a continent-wide fire of public sector transformation.

This is a strategic pivot that is turning the region’s civil service into a platform of competence, innovation, and renewed public confidence. The road to stronger institutions, greater accountability, and meaningful public service reform is long, but Kenya’s approach, rooted in inclusive partnerships, shaped by a national agenda, and propelled by global development goals, might be the clearest signal that transformation is already happening.

About the Author

Stanley Omambia is a United Nations Volunteer - Communications at UNDP Kenya.