Jane Imbunya takes over as PS for Public Service

The handover ceremony was held at Harambee House, Nairobi on Tuesday.

Mr. Gathecha now serves as Deputy Head of Public Service. The event was attended by Chief Executive Officers of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), departmental heads, and senior officials, highlighting the importance of leadership continuity within the Ministry.

Dr. Imbunya, formerly Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), brings to the role a strong academic background and a mandate to champion innovation, inclusivity, and collaborative governance in public service.

In her inaugural remarks, she emphasized co-creation, open dialogue, and inclusivity as key pillars of effective service delivery.

“We must co-create solutions that elevate our public service,” she said. “Every voice must be heard, every idea respected.”

She also underscored her commitment to promoting mental wellness and work-life balance in the public sector.

“Taking care of ourselves, our work, and our families without compromising any of them is essential,” she added.

Outgoing PS Mr. Gathecha outlined key ongoing reforms, including the Human Resource Management and Development Bill, which awaits Cabinet approval, and the rollout of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS)—a locally developed platform supporting payroll, staffing, and organizational planning.

He also highlighted the commercialization of the National Youth Service (NYS) in line with President William Ruto’s directive to expand recruitment from 5,000 to 100,000 by 2028, positioning NYS for financial sustainability.

On staff welfare, Mr. Gathecha noted that over 16,000 civil servants accessed counseling services in 2024, signaling growing awareness of mental health in the public sector.

In his final remarks, he called for unified support for Dr. Imbunya.

“This is a moment of continuity, not closure,” he said. “I urge every leader present to walk closely with the new Principal Secretary as we advance a more people-centered public service.”