Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged regulatory bodies and agencies to strengthen coordination and improve efficiency in service delivery, warning that their performance directly shapes public perception of the government.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 3rd Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference at South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui county, Kindiki said fragmented operations among regulators risk undermining the government’s effectiveness.
The Deputy President noted that the country currently has 127 Regulatory Authorities and Agencies (RAAs) operating under various State departments, with mandates spanning nearly every sector of the economy and society.
“We must ensure that the presence of the 127 regulators translates into coordinated strength, clarity, and efficiency rather than duplication, confusion, and delay,” Kindiki said.
He emphasised that the role played by these agencies is central to the government’s overall performance, urging them to improve decision-making processes and align their operations to meet the expectations of citizens.
“The work done by these agencies defines the government’s performance, and Kenyans expect them to execute their mandates with urgency, vigour, and transparency,” he added.
Kindiki warned that weak or inconsistent regulatory action could erode public trust in government institutions, while opaque processes risk creating perceptions of unfairness.
“When regulatory action is weak, inconsistent, or compromised, government itself appears weak. When regulatory processes are opaque or unfair, government is perceived as unjust,” he said.
He added that effective and predictable regulation enhances public confidence, noting that “when regulation is firm, fair, and predictable, government earns trust, credibility, and legitimacy.”
The Deputy President also cautioned regulators against complacency, saying inefficiency and lack of visibility in their work would reflect poorly on governance.
“It is not enough that you are working; your work must be seen, felt, and experienced by the citizens we serve,” he said.
Kindiki urged public servants to ensure that government actions remain visible and impactful, stressing the importance of discipline and consistency in executing their mandates.
“Government action must be clear, consistent, and visible in the public space, reflecting the seriousness with which we serve,” he said.
He further called for strict adherence to the Constitution, particularly Article 232, which outlines the values and principles of public service, including accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
“No citizen should ever have to ask where the government is, because the government is present wherever rules are set, standards enforced, safety assured, and fairness upheld,” Kindiki said.
The conference brought together key stakeholders from regulatory bodies across the country to deliberate on improving coordination and enhancing the effectiveness of agencies in delivering on their mandates.
