Koskei pushes for evidence-driven governance, warns against policy-by-guesswork

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has challenged government ministries and research institutions to fundamentally rethink how policies are conceived and implemented, insisting that decisions must be anchored in solid evidence from the very beginning.

Koskei said the government can no longer afford to roll out programmes before undertaking proper research and feasibility assessments.

“Too often, research comes in after policies have already been rolled out and challenges have begun to surface. That approach is costly,” Koskei said.

Speaking during a high-level meeting that brought together Principal Secretaries, Board Chairpersons and CEOs overseeing research institutions, the chief of staff stated "If we are to govern responsibly, research must shape policy at conception.”

He emphasised that before major programmes are launched, there must be clear feasibility studies, sound fiscal projections and structured pilot projects to test assumptions under real conditions.

According to him, aligning research agendas with national development priorities is critical to ensuring that public investments translate into measurable economic gains.

Koskei described the shift as a matter of discipline in decision-making and prudent management of public resources.

He noted that grounding policies in data and scientific analysis would improve execution, protect taxpayers’ money and ensure every intervention contributes meaningfully to national productivity and economic growth.

“As Kenya advances toward developed nation status, we must institutionalise a culture where science, innovation and data are not peripheral, but central to governance,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with high-performing administrations such as Singapore, Koskei observed that sustained competitiveness and administrative efficiency are built on anticipatory, policy-linked research.

“That level of coherence does not happen by accident; it is designed,” he noted.

The meeting was attended 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).

Participants agreed on the need to strengthen coordination between ministries and research agencies to ensure findings are translated into clear, practical policy briefs that inform implementation frameworks.

Koskei said research institutions must rise to the responsibility of offering timely, policy-ready insights rather than producing reports that sit on shelves.

The renewed push for evidence-based governance comes amid increasing scrutiny over the cost and effectiveness of public programmes.

By embedding science, innovation and data at the core of government operations, Koskei argued, Kenya can avoid costly missteps and build a more accountable, results-driven public service.

He also urged ministries to institutionalise structured pilots and rigorous monitoring mechanisms, saying this would help government anticipate risks, adjust strategies early and deliver sustainable outcomes for citizens.