African PSCs to prioritize ICT adoption for better service delivery

KIZITO MARUTI- KNA 

Public Service Commissions in Africa have resolved to mainstream the adoption of ICT in their operations and leverage research in policymaking, in addition to championing professionalism to enhance service delivery. 

These resolutions were made by delegates from 13 member commissions of the Association of African Public Service Commissions, representing three regions of the continent— Western, Eastern, and Southern Africa—who convened in Nairobi to strategize ways to boost efficiency in service delivery. 

In a joint communiqué, the Association noted that Public Service institutions in Africa are under pressure to seek innovative solutions to address evolving challenges in the workplace. 

The Association emphasized the need to build a modern, citizen-centric public service across the continent by deploying technological interventions and incorporating novel principles into public sector management. 

They called on African governments to create an enabling environment by allocating resources to implement ICT initiatives, thereby advancing the realization of e-governments. 

They added that ICT will help boost service delivery. The communique further called for capacity building of officers to make them ICT compliant and at the same time enhance trust levels and overcome technology apathy. 

Delegates at the conference concurred on the need to professionalize the public service through continuous skilling and training of personnel to infuse ethical values amongst public sector workers.