The 6th General Assembly of the Association of African Public Service Commissions held in Kenya, Nairobi last week, offered an opportunity for African Public Service Commissions to collaborate and share ideas on enhancing public services. 

The primary objective of the conference was to foster collaboration among African Public Service Commissions and to share best practices aimed at improving public service delivery. 

Key points discussed during the assembly included the need for governments to create environments that support the use of technology in public services.

Adequate funding and training for public servants are crucial for success, and building trust with citizens regarding new technologies is essential for effective public service.

These were the sentiments shared during a briefing by the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Salmaan Jacobs.

"The Conference and the General Assembly provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, expectations, challenges, best practices, and reform proposals aimed at driving transformations in Public Service Delivery through Innovation and Technology."

The conference emphasised the vital role of innovation and technology in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and provided a platform for participants to discuss strategies for adapting to new trends and to promote a citizen-centric approach in public service, ensuring that the needs of the people are effectively met.

"There's a need for continuous ways, we as the government must try to strengthen ways in which we are doing these service delivery, and governments must also continuously collaborate among themselves to ensure that they make use of the resources at disposal to learn from one another."