- Reassessing the structure of PSs and aligning it with global best practices could pave the way for more effective governance.
- Broad-based governance that balances administrative and ministerial roles could foster a more efficient and accountable public sector.
Image: PCS
Kenya's governance structure has seen significant changes in recent years, but one persistent issue remains, the disproportionate number of Principal Secretaries relative to Cabinet ministers. With 51 PSs overseeing various ministries compared to only 21 Cabinet ministers, Kenya's administrative structure is notably top-heavy.
This imbalance raises concerns about efficiency, accountability, and effective governance. As such, it is worth examining whether this structure serves the country's best interests and how it compares to practices globally.
The current distribution of 51 PS with 24 per cent female, 76 per cent male with zero youth representation. Its also marked by notable disparities among the country's provinces. Rift Valley, with 16 PSs, holds the highest share, reflecting 31 per cent of the total. Central counties follow with eight PSs, or 16 per cent, while Nairobi and Eastern both contribute six PSs, each representing 12 per cent.
The lower representation from Coast, Nyanza and Western provinces, with only two or four PSs each, underscores a significant regional imbalance. This disproportionate distribution raises questions about equitable representation and the impact of such an imbalance on national governance.
Globally, administrative structures vary widely, offering insights into how Kenya's setup might be improved. In Germany, a federal system, there are 16 federal ministers supported by a smaller group of state secretaries, totalling around 50 officials. This structure aims to streamline governance by reducing administrative complexity and ensuring clear oversight.
Similarly, the United States operates with 15 CSs and a comparable number of deputy secretaries, creating a clear hierarchy and accountability within each department. This contrasts sharply with Kenya’s model, where the high number of PSs can lead to overlapping responsibilities and diluted accountability.
In Africa, Rwanda provides a relevant comparison. The Rwandan government operates with approximately 20 to 22 ministers and 11 PSs, reflecting a streamlined approach that promotes efficiency and effective governance. Rwanda’s model emphasises a balanced administrative structure, ensuring clear lines of responsibility and reducing the potential for bureaucratic inefficiency. This approach stands in stark contrast to Kenya’s current structure, highlighting the potential benefits of a more streamlined administrative system.
The large number of PSs not only affects the overall governance structure, but also significantly impacts the accounting officers within ministries. According to the constitution, accounting officers are responsible for ensuring the proper use of public resources and implementing government policies effectively.
However, with so many PSs, each overseeing different aspects of the same ministry, accountability can become fragmented. This fragmentation complicates the role of accounting officers, who must navigate a complex web of oversight and coordination. The dissolution of PSs could simplify this structure, allowing accounting officers to manage their responsibilities more effectively and ensuring that they are held accountable in a clearer and more direct manner.
Moreover, having 51 accounting officers overseeing micro-functions within ministries can inadvertently increase the risk of corruption and escalate the cost running a government. When administrative roles are fragmented into numerous specialised positions, it creates multiple points where oversight can be lax or bypassed entirely.
This fragmentation often leads to a lack of cohesive control, making it easier for corrupt practices to occur without being detected. A streamlined structure with fewer, more broadly focused officials can reduce these risks by consolidating oversight and accountability, thereby fostering a more transparent and corruption-resistant governance system.
The current setup of 51 PSs versus 21 ministers highlights a critical imbalance in Kenya’s governance framework. In many other countries, a smaller number of senior officials manage broader portfolios, which helps streamline decision-making and improve accountability. Adopting a more balanced ratio could enhance efficiency, reduce administrative overlap and promote more effective governance.
In conclusion, Kenya’s high number of PSs relative to its ministers presents an opportunity for reform therefore the number should be reduced to 23 PSs as it was in 2010. By adopting a more streamlined approach, akin to those seen in other countries, Kenya can improve its administrative efficiency and accountability.
Reassessing the structure of PSs and aligning it with global best practices could pave the way for more effective governance and a more equitable distribution of administrative responsibilities. Broad-based governance that balances administrative and ministerial roles could foster a more efficient and accountable public sector, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.
Management consultant and governance specialist, [email protected]