Government Bets on Youth to Drive Digital Public Service Transformation

 

 The government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning young professionals at the centre of Kenya’s next phase of public service transformation, citing their digital skills, innovation, and demographic strength as crucial to future governance.

Speaking through Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur A. Osiya, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix K. Koskei underscored that with over 75 percent of Kenya’s population under 35, meaningful public service reform must reflect the aspirations and competencies of the youth.

Koskei’s remarks were delivered during the Public Service Intergenerational Dialogue Conference, held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete, from November 26 to 28, 2025. The three-day gathering brought together more than 500 participants, including young and seasoned civil servants, retired officers, and private sector experts.

Koskei described the dialogue as a profound national moment, reaffirming that the future of public service will be shaped collaboratively across generations. He emphasised that young professionals must champion Kenya’s digital transformation, noting that they are “digital natives” best positioned to drive automation, data reforms, and transparency across government systems. He added that the next chapter of governance will rely heavily on intergenerational collaboration, especially in nurturing digital governance and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The conference, themed “Future-Proofing Public Service: Harnessing Experience and Innovation for Public Service Sustainability,” created space for robust discussions on succession planning, mentorship, coaching, digital transformation, mental health, and workforce wellbeing. Koskei highlighted ongoing capacity-building efforts, including the Public Service Internship Programme, which provides thousands of graduates with structured entry into government, and the Young Leaders Development and Empowerment Programme, which ensures youth perspectives shape policy-making. He further announced that the government is establishing a national mentorship framework that will enable young officers to learn from seasoned professionals while safeguarding leadership continuity and institutional memory.

Koskei lauded experienced officers for the stability and wisdom they bring, stressing that intergenerational collaboration is built on partnership and mutual respect rather than age. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing mental health and wellness support systems for public servants, arguing that sustainable governance can only be achieved when the wellbeing of officers is prioritised. He noted that recent appointments of senior officials in their 30s reflect the government’s shift toward merit-based leadership opportunities.

This year marks the centenary of the Kenya School of Government, a milestone Koskei described as symbolic of the evolution and resilience of Kenya’s public service. He praised KSG for a century of nurturing leadership culture, policy innovation, and institutional memory, noting that the institution’s legacy has kept the public service anchored, disciplined, and future-oriented.

Koskei urged participants to transform the rich discussions of the conference into policy and action across all ministries and departments. He challenged the delegates, telling them they were not present merely to be seen, but to influence decisions, innovate, question, and build. He said their energy, digital creativity, and determination remain vital catalysts for Kenya’s transformation.

“Kenya’s future will be built by all of us working together, respecting the past, and embracing the possibilities of tomorrow,” he said. “This dialogue marks not an end, but the beginning of a shared journey.”