The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Kenya's public service as the Kenya School of Government (KSG) marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of training public servants and strengthening governance across the continent.
Speaking as the chief guest during the KSG @100 Centenary celebrations at the institution's Lower Kabete campus, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku hailed the institution's contribution to national development, saying it has played a pivotal role in building a competent and ethical public service.
"I am very delighted to join the country today as we celebrate a century of the Kenya School of Government's existence. The institution's tremendous contributions and value addition to Kenya's national development, human capital development and career progression are an endearing journey that we need to celebrate today," Ruku said.
The CS reiterated that the success of any government's agenda depends entirely on the capacity of its public service, challenging public officers to embrace innovation, integrity, and accountability.
"Policies and programmes can only transform lives when implemented by competent, ethical and innovative public servants," he added.
The high-level policy dialogue, which focused on national wealth and global competitiveness, attracted a distinguished gathering of continental leaders, policymakers, and global diplomats from economically vibrant nations like China, Singapore, and Azerbaijan.
Among the prominent international guests was Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed, the Minister of Planning, Investment and International Cooperation for the Jubaland State of Somalia.
As an alumnus and member of the pioneering cohort of KSG’s Leadership Programme for National Transformation, Ahmed echoed Ruku’s sentiments, framing institutional capacity as a cornerstone for regional integration.
"An effective public service is the foundation of a prosperous nation," Ahmed stated. "For Somalia, and particularly for Jubaland, this capacity-building is vital for our ongoing regional integration. Following Somalia’s recent admission into the East African Community (EAC), Jubaland stands as a strategic economic and geographical corridor to the region."
Ahmed highlighted the importance of participating in the dialogue alongside Kenyan leaders and global diplomats to exchange institutional insights during a time of highly dynamic global shifts.
He also extended deep gratitude to Kenya for its long-standing support in Somalia's state-building processes, affirming a commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation in economic development, regional peace, and climate change action.
Reflecting on the milestone, Ahmed noted that the centenary celebration offered a vital lesson for the entire region regarding how modern nations must measure success.
"My message back home perfectly aligns with the themes discussed today: national wealth is no longer measured solely by the natural resources we possess. Rather, as this centenary has proven, true wealth is defined by the capacity of our institutions, the integrity of our leadership, and our collective ability to innovate and adapt," Ahmed said.
Congratulating the institution on its milestone, the
Minister concluded, "As products of this institution, we are living proof
of its continental impact. Today, we return to our respective nations equipped
to build highly competitive, resilient institutions capable of navigating
complex global challenges."
