Nairobi News

Huduma Centre, a government initiative aimed at improving and hastening delivery of services to the public, has won a United Nation’s award.

The initiative, launched two years ago, was rated the overall winner in Improving the Delivery of Public Services category.

Ethiopia’s Integrated Housing and Development Programme (IHDP) was second in the United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA).

While commending the Huduma Centre team, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the government’s aim was to ensure Kenyans were satisfactorily served.

“I am glad that the Huduma Programme is already proving to be a showcase in efficient and effective public service delivery in Africa and beyond,” said Mr Kenyatta.

SERVICE DELIVERY

“Huduma Kenya Centres are a symbol of transformational leadership. It is transforming Government service delivery in ways that put Kenya ahead of some developed and developing nations,” said Ms Anne Waiguru, the Cabinet secretary for Devolution and Planning whose ministry is implementing the programme.

The centres offer up to 41 services including issuance of birth certificate, certificate of good conduct, clearance certificate and issuance of passports, among others, making it a “one-stop-shop” for services.

Currently, there are 12 operational centres across the counties with 12 others expected to be launched in the coming months.

The centre has previously won the coveted African Association of Public Administration and Management Gold Medal Award in Innovation Management. The winners will be feted on June 23, in Medellin Colombia.