Mudavadi, Sing'Oei rally regulators ahead of Global Trust Summit

Speaking during a consultative breakfast meeting bringing together more than 20 regulatory agencies in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said strong, credible institutions are the foundation of public trust and national development.

Mudavadi said while declining trust in public institutions has become a global challenge, Kenya has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by championing practical reforms that strengthen governance and institutional accountability.

"Trust is not proclaimed; it is demonstrated. It is demonstrated through fairness, competence, responsiveness and integrity in the everyday decisions your institutions make," said Mudavadi.

He urged regulatory agencies to identify measurable reforms that will improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence beyond the two-day Global Trust Summit.

"We have consistently seen that strengthened regulatory authorities across the country safeguard critical institutions such as banks, protecting the wealth, confidence and development of Kenyans. The steady growth of the Kenyan State has been anchored on the deliberate development of strong, credible institutions that serve public interest," he added.

The summit, scheduled for October 22 and 23 in Nairobi, is expected to bring together governments, international organisations, academia and development partners to explore practical solutions for rebuilding trust in public institutions and multilateral systems.

Mudavadi said Kenya's decision to host the summit fulfils a commitment made under the country's Fifth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan and reflects its growing leadership in democratic governance.

He noted that regulatory institutions play a central role in shaping citizens' perception of government through the services they provide, ranging from healthcare and aviation safety to financial regulation, transport and digital services.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei said the consultative meeting marked the first major engagement ahead of the summit, describing regulators as key custodians of public trust.

"When H.E President William Ruto committed to rebuilding trust between citizens and government during the launch of the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan in September 2024, he laid the foundation for a renewed national conversation on transparency, accountability and institutional excellence. Today's regulatory breakfast reflects the very first step towards the Global Trust Summit," said Sing'Oei.

He added that Kenya is positioning itself as a global leader in advancing practical solutions to declining public confidence in institutions.

"Trust in public institutions is a challenge faced across the world. By convening the Global Trust Summit, Kenya is demonstrating leadership in advancing practical solutions to bridge that gap. Bringing together local and international stakeholders creates an opportunity to strengthen institutions, deepen investor confidence and support sustained economic growth for the benefit of all Kenyans," he said.

Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Vincent Ogutu underscored the importance of resilient institutions, saying sustainable governance depends on both effective systems and accountable leadership.

"Strong systems and institutions are the foundation of effective governance. When they are well designed and function as intended, they provide continuity and stability regardless of who occupies leadership. Robust systems build confidence in institutions, while principled and accountable leadership sustains that trust," he said.

The meeting brought together representatives from institutions including the Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Transport and Safety Authority and the Capital Markets Authority.

The Global Trust Summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Global Trust and the establishment of the Global Trust Council, which will provide a platform for continued international collaboration on strengthening trust in public institutions.