Kenya, UNDP, and Microsoft Partner to Future-Proof Public Service
The latest initiative launched at the Kenya School of Government marks a bold step toward building a future-ready public sector that is agile, accountable, and equipped to drive sustainable development across Africa.
In an era defined by rapid technological change, complex development challenges, and evolving citizen expectations, the skills of our public servants are more critical than ever. The latest initiative launched at the Kenya School of Government marks a bold step toward building a future-ready public sector that is agile, accountable, and equipped to drive sustainable development across Africa.
On 30 July 2025, key policymakers, digital experts, and public sector leaders gathered at the Kenya School of Government for a landmark Validation Workshop on the new skilling programme designed to equip public servants with the tools to thrive in the digital and AI age. First launched in December 2024, the programme—spearheaded by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNDP and Microsoft —sets the foundation for rethinking how public institutions can become faster, fairer, and more future-ready from the inside out.
“This initiative is not just about digital skills; it is about transforming how governments work. It is about building confidence in institutions by ensuring public servants are empowered with the tools they need to serve better. When citizens experience services that are efficient, inclusive, and responsive, trust in government grows.”
– Madelena Monoja, Resident Representative, UNDP
The curriculum, developed under the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, is structured to serve the entire public service hierarchy—from junior officers to top-tier leadership—through four progressive levels: Foundations, Application, Management, and Leadership. It integrates digital literacy, emerging technologies, data governance, ethical use of AI, and leadership in digital transformation. Most importantly, it is built on shared responsibility.
This effort directly aligns with national and continental priorities: the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya’s Fourth Medium-Term Plan under Vision 2030, the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
From understanding AI’s role in policymaking to mastering data privacy protocols, the programme equips leaders with practical skills to lead smarter, faster, and more accountably.
“We are investing in people. A digitally skilled public service is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Through this partnership, we are creating a future-ready civil service that truly serves the people.”
– Dr. Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Service, Kenya
Digital transformation is not only about technology; it is about people, processes, and public purpose.
The power of this initiative lies in its co-creation. The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy brought policy muscle and digital governance leadership. The Ministry of Public Service contributed systems, structure, and reform expertise. Microsoft brought private sector innovation and tools to scale smartly and ethically. The Kenya School of Government brought implementation capacity and nationwide reach. UNDP brought a lens of inclusive governance and a deep commitment to building institutional trust.
“Digital transformation in the public sector requires more than tools. It requires vision, leadership, and trust. That’s what we’re building here together.”
– Winnie Karanu, AI National Skills Director, Microsoft
