The Chairperson of the South African Public Service Commission (PSC) and Chairperson of the SADC Public Service Commissions Forum, Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, accompanied by PSC South Africa Commissioner Prof. Mandla Makhanya, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Mr. Francis Meja, at the Commission house, in Nairobi.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two Commissions to strengthen bilateral relations and explore areas of mutual interest in public service transformation, digitalisation, institutional resilience and knowledge sharing.
Prof. Fikeni and Prof. Makhanya were in Nairobi as part of AUDA-NEPAD’s high-level policy and field engagement delegation, which included engagements with Strathmore University and Strathmore Business School on digital education, institutional resilience and South-South cooperation.
During the meeting, Mr. Meja expressed optimism about the critical role of public service commissions in advancing Africa’s development agenda and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
He highlighted the Commission’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping public servants with emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We must position public service institutions at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation by investing in the skills, innovation and partnerships needed to deliver efficient and citizen-centred services,” said Mr. Meja.
Prof. Fikeni emphasised the importance of continuously strengthening the capacity of commissioners and public service institutions to respond to emerging challenges.
He noted the need for enhanced skills in Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics, values and ethics, and alternative dispute resolution, particularly in the public sector.
The meeting also discussed the progress and future direction of the African Association of Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS), with emphasis on strengthening knowledge-sharing platforms and expanding the Association’s engagement to include public service institutions from North and Central Africa.
The courtesy visit underscored the shared commitment of the two Commissions to strengthening African public service institutions, promoting innovation and digital transformation, and fostering regional and continental cooperation for improved service delivery.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
