Head of Public Service Felix Koskei led the Kenyan delegation in strategic talks with officials from the government of the State of São Paulo and the City Administration of São Paulo/HANDOUT

Kenya is poised to accelerate reforms in service delivery and infrastructure financing after benchmarking Brazil’s governance model.

‎Head of Public Service Felix Koskei noted that São Paulo’s success in aligning policy, regulation and private sector investment offers a practical blueprint for growth.

‎On day three of the heads of public service and Board members learning Journey in Brazil, the Kenyan delegation, alongside regional counterparts, held strategic talks with officials from the government of the State of São Paulo and the City Administration of São Paulo. 

‎The discussions offered a practical window into how one of Latin America’s largest economies is leveraging innovation and partnerships to drive public sector performance.

‎The delegation, accompanied by ESAMI Board members, received detailed briefings on São Paulo’s approach to improving efficiency, productivity and innovation across government institutions.

‎A key takeaway was the structured and sustained use of PPPs to deliver critical services in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

‎”Brazil’s model demonstrates that clarity of policy and consistency in regulation are essential to attracting and sustaining private sector participation,” Koskei said.

The predictability of their regulatory environment, he noted, allows long-term investments to thrive.

‎Officials in São Paulo emphasised disciplined execution and institutional coordination as pillars of their success, noting that PPP frameworks are backed by clear legal structures and accountability mechanisms.

‎The engagement also featured candid discussions on urban security, with Brazilian authorities outlining the long-term strategies that have contributed to reducing crime in major cities. 

‎Investments in surveillance, community policing and social programmes were highlighted as part of a broader, integrated approach.

‎”Public safety cannot be treated in isolation,” São Paulo city officials told the delegation.

‎Beyond security, the Brazilian teams showcased their investments in climate action, science and technology, and trade promotion as drivers of sustainable growth.

‎These sectors, officials said, are increasingly interconnected in shaping modern, competitive cities.

‎For Kenya and the wider East African region, the lessons were clear and actionable.

‎The delegation underscored the importance of aligning policy frameworks with implementation capacity, particularly in sectors that require significant capital investment.

‎“We are taking home practical insights on how to strengthen partnerships with the private sector while ensuring public interest remains safeguarded,” Koskei added.

‎He said the integration of urban management, safety and economic planning is something to be prioritised.

‎Principal Secretaries Paul Rono (Agriculture) and Alex Wachira (Energy) are part of the delegation.