Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has called on regulatory agencies to accelerate reforms and shift focus from procedural compliance to measurable outcomes that directly improve citizens’ lives.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 3rd Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies (RAA) conference at South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui County, Koskei said the reform programme initiated in 2022 has recorded notable progress, but the next phase must prioritise execution and impact.
He noted that regulatory institutions have, over the past three years, strengthened governance systems, clarified mandates, improved coordination and embraced a stronger performance culture.
“We have made progress across the regulatory landscape. Institutions have strengthened governance frameworks, enhanced coordination, clarified mandates and deepened performance orientation,” said Koskei.
However, he cautioned that inefficiencies in implementation and delays in decision-making continue to undermine service delivery and economic performance.
He called for greater decisiveness in execution and urged regulators to accelerate the shift from procedural activity to substantive outcomes anchored on citizen experience and socio-economic impact.
Koskei stressed that regulatory effectiveness must ultimately be measured by how citizens experience government services, rather than internal processes or reports.
“The next phase must focus on execution discipline and consistency of outcomes. Where regulatory systems hesitate or act inconsistently, the impact is felt not only within government but also in the broader economy and in public trust,” he added.
He emphasised the need for a shift towards outcome-based performance, where success is defined by tangible improvements such as faster approvals, safer products, and more reliable systems.
“Regulation must be visible in its results and felt in its impact on the ground,” Koskei said.
He further urged agencies to strengthen data systems and adopt clear performance indicators, noting that effective measurement is key to accountability and delivery.
“What gets measured gets done. Institutions must strengthen data systems, define clear performance indicators, and consistently demonstrate the impact of their interventions,” he said.
Koskei also encouraged regulators to take ownership of reforms and sustain momentum through internal discipline and accountability.
The conference brought together regulators from across government and focused on improving coordination, reducing duplication of roles, and strengthening regulatory impact.
In his opening remarks, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who opened the conference, said regulatory agencies remain the most visible face of government in the daily lives of citizens and must therefore prioritise service delivery.
“Regulatory Authorities and Agencies represent the most visible expression of government in the daily lives of citizens,” Kindiki said.
“We must move beyond process-driven regulation and focus on service delivery that citizens can experience directly.”
He added that the credibility of government is often shaped at the regulatory level, urging institutions to uphold fairness, predictability and transparency in their operations.
Day one of the conference focused on regulatory impact assessment, constitutional mandates, and practical experiences from different agencies.
Discussions highlighted the need for stronger inter-agency coordination and evidence-based decision-making to improve efficiency and public service delivery.
The conference continues as the government advances its broader Public Service reform agenda aimed at building efficient, accountable and citizen-centred institutions across all sectors.
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