Muturi calls for more funding to boost public service delivery

Erastus Muturi-PCO

The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Justin Muturi, has urged the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour to increase budgetary allocations to Public Service.

This is in a bid to strengthen public service delivery.

Appearing before the committee, he emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in human capital development, citing funding gaps that threaten the effectiveness of key government programs.  

Muturi highlighted the critical role of the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in building public sector capacity, warning that budget cuts have significantly affected training programs for civil servants.

“The Kenya School of Government is a cornerstone for capacity building in the public service. However, continued budget cuts have reduced training opportunities, creating competency gaps that impact service delivery,” he stated.  

The Huduma Kenya program, a key initiative providing essential government services across the country, has also been affected by financial constraints, he said.

The CS revealed that previous budgetary removal has stalled several Huduma projects, limiting citizen access to crucial services.

“Huduma Kenya is designed to bring government services closer to the people, but without sufficient funding, many of its projects cannot move forward,” he noted.  

Muturi also underscored the importance of supporting the Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board (HRMPEB), which certifies HR professionals.

“A competent and well-trained workforce is at the heart of efficient governance. Investing in HR certification and training is not a luxury but a necessity,” he said.  

Acknowledging financial limitations, the CS called for a more structured approach to resource allocation, ensuring that key institutions receive the funding needed to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

“We cannot afford to underfund the very institutions that keep government services running. A well-equipped public service is the backbone of effective governance,” he reiterated.  

The ministry awaits the committee’s decision on the proposed supplementary estimates, which could determine the future of several critical public service programs.