Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has urged government ministries and research institutions to fundamentally reassess their approach to policy formulation and execution, asserting that all decisions must be grounded in robust evidence from the outset.
Koskei stated that the government can no longer implement programs without conducting thorough research and feasibility studies.
Frequently, research is conducted only after policies are implemented and difficulties emerge, Koskei noted, highlighting that this approach proves expensive.
Addressing a high-level convening that included Principal Secretaries, Board Chairpersons, and CEOs of research institutions, the chief of staff declared, “For responsible governance, research must inform policy from its inception.”
He stressed that prior to launching major initiatives, comprehensive feasibility studies, accurate financial projections, and structured pilot programs to validate assumptions in real-world settings are essential.
In his view, synchronizing research priorities with national development objectives is vital to guaranteeing that public investments yield tangible economic benefits.
Koskei characterized this transition as a matter of decision-making discipline and judicious stewardship of public resources.
He observed that basing policies on data and scientific analysis would enhance implementation, safeguard public funds, and guarantee that every initiative meaningfully contributes to national productivity and economic advancement.
As Kenya progresses toward developed nation status, we must establish a culture where science, innovation, and data are not supplementary but fundamental to governance, he asserted.
Citing examples from high-performing governments like Singapore, Koskei observed that sustained competitiveness and administrative efficiency are constructed on forward-looking, policy-integrated research.
Such alignment does not occur inadvertently; it is deliberately engineered, he remarked.
The gathering was participated in by key Principal Secretaries, including Shaukat Ali (Science, Research and Innovation), Bonface Makokha (Economic Planning), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Paul Ronoh (Agriculture), Mary Muthoni Muriuki (Public Health), Julius Korir (Water and Sanitation) and Ouma Oluga (Medical Services).
Attendees concurred on the necessity to enhance coordination between ministries and research agencies to ensure research findings are converted into clear, applicable policy briefs that guide implementation strategies.
Koskei stated that research institutions must embrace the responsibility of providing timely insights ready for policy application instead of generating reports that remain unused.
The renewed emphasis on evidence-based governance emerges amid growing examination of the costs and efficacy of public programs.
By integrating science, innovation, and data into the fundamental operations of government, Koskei contended, Kenya can prevent expensive errors and develop a more accountable, outcome-oriented public service.
He also encouraged ministries to establish structured pilot programs and rigorous monitoring frameworks, indicating this would enable the government to foresee risks, modify strategies promptly, and deliver sustainable results for citizens.