By J, KNA
Deputy Head of the Public Service (DHOPS) Amos Gathecha has challenged public officers undertaking a Diploma in Public Administration course at Kenya School of Government (KSG) to embrace integrity, ethical leadership and sound governance as the foundation for effective service delivery.
Speaking on Thursday while addressing the officers at KSG, Gathecha said integrity remains the single most critical value in public administration, noting that trust in government institutions is built or lost through the conduct of individual officers.
“Integrity is not optional in public service. It is the core of our credibility and the bedrock upon which citizens’ confidence in government is anchored,” he said, urging officers to remain guided by the Constitution, public service values and applicable laws at all times.
Gathecha, a veteran public administrator, said his career progression underscores how dedication, competence and ethical conduct can advance officers in the public service.
He noted that he joined the Kenya Civil Service at junior level and steadily rose through the ranks to become a Principal Administrative Secretary, before he was appointed Principal Secretary and later took up his current role as DHOPS, attributing his progression to discipline, continuous learning, mentorship and strict adherence to ethical standards.
He told the trainees that governance is not limited to policy documents but is demonstrated through daily decisions, including how officers handle public resources, engage citizens and meet accountability obligations.
Gathecha added that administrators are the Government’s frontline representatives and should communicate public policies and programmes, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) clearly at the grassroots while relaying citizens’ feedback to improve service delivery.
The DHOPS emphasised key principles of governance, including transparency, accountability, responsiveness, inclusivity, efficiency and the rule of law, saying the public expects institutions that are fair, predictable and results-oriented.
He also urged officers to uphold professionalism in service delivery, observe financial prudence and resist corrupt practices, warning that unethical conduct undermines national development and denies citizens essential services.
On retirement preparedness, Gathecha encouraged officers to plan early by cultivating a savings culture, investing wisely and acquiring skills that can support productive lives beyond formal employment.
“Retirement should not be a crisis. If you plan early, build a financial cushion and invest in your personal development, you will transition with dignity and stability,” he said.
He added that proper retirement planning also requires healthy living, family engagement and mental readiness, advising officers to balance career demands with wellness and long-term personal goals.
DHOPS commended KSG for strengthening capacity in the public sector through training and in-service programmes, saying the institution plays a vital role in equipping officers with modern administrative competencies and leadership skills.
He urged the trainees to apply what they learn to improve efficiency, strengthen coordination across government and enhance citizen-centred service delivery.
The officers are undertaking the Diploma in Public Administration programme, which aims to deepen their understanding of public policy, governance, administrative systems and ethical leadership in the public sector.
