PSELF Programme: 61 Kenyans Set to Transform Public Service After Special Training

The Public Service is set to undergo a tremendous transformation after a group of 61 Kenyans graduated with special skills after a yearlong training.  

This much-needed change comes after 61 young Kenyans graduated from the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PSELF) Programme, a joint initiative of the Public Service Commission of Kenya, Emerging Public Leaders, and Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa.  

The Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship entailed a yearlong learning programme divided into four phases; capstone projects, mentorship, public service ethos and culture of public service.  

The curriculum is designed to foster a citizen-centric approach and personal development. 

"They received instruction on the public service framework—its structure, ethos, and values—with a focus on compliance, quality assurance, and personal branding. Legal and policy foundations specific to the Public Service Commission of Kenya, alongside financial management principles as stipulated by the Public Finance Management Act, were key components among others," part of the statement reads. 

Besides receiving class knowledge, the graduands also had a rare opportunity to interact with Ambassador Francis Muthaura, former Heads of Public Service Joseph Kinyua and Dr. Sally Kosgei, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, and experts from the Commonwealth Secretariat including Prof. Luis Franceschi and Dr. Roger Koranteng.  

They also engaged with thought leaders like Ken Njiru from the Uungwana Institute, as well as distinguished Kenyan public figures enhancing their learning experience.  

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, on Friday, March 22, the Chief Guest of the second PSELF graduation, Mr. Felix K. Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, commended the young graduates noting that knowledge transfer is critical. 

"The President is desirous to see a public service that is highly performing, young, agile, effective and citizen-centric," Koskei stated.  

At the same time, Caren Wakoli, the Executive Director of Emerging Leaders, challenged the graduates to give back to society.

She argued that the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme are enough to drive an agenda of change in the country.

"As you graduate, the society, Kenya, and Africa is hungry for souls on fire to serve and to serve sincerely and to lead change," Caren Wakoli told the graduates. 

On the other hand, Mr. Emmanuel Lubembe, the Chairperson, the PSELF Steering Committee and Member of the Global Board for EPL, urged graduates to equip themselves with new tools and instruments to improve service delivery to Kenyans.

"Digitalization is critical, that's why in the Kenyan public service we have eCitizen and Huduma centres congregated together so that we can deliver better services to the people," Lubembe told the PSELF fellows.  

More About the Programme

The Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PSELF) Programme is a joint initiative of the Public Service Commission of Kenya, Emerging Public Leaders, and Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa. 

The tripartite agreement that led to the formation of the programme was signed in November 2021.

PSELF aspires to contribute to a transparent and ethical service at the national and county level by recruiting young, exceptional talent in the civil service to improve public service delivery, manage government resources ethically and transparently, and building a cadre of high-achieving public servants. 

In the second cohort, 65 people were enrolled in the programme and only 61 graduated. 25 Ministries Departments and Agencies were represented in the programme.

46 counties were represented in the programme and 65 mentors were brought on board.