Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya has officially assumed office as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, succeeding Amos Gathecha.
The handover took place at Harambee House in Nairobi, ushering in a new era of leadership aimed at transforming the public service landscape.
Gathecha will now continue his service as the Deputy Head of Public Service.
The ceremony which was attended by Chief Executive Officers of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), departmental heads, and senior officials, underscored the importance of institutional continuity and leadership renewal within the Ministry.
Dr. Imbunya, an accomplished academic and former Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), takes over with a strong mandate to drive public service transformation rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and collaborative governance.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Imbunya stressed the value of partnership and open dialogue in achieving effective service delivery. “We must co-create solutions that elevate our public service,” she said. “Every voice must be heard, every idea respected, because that’s how we ensure every Kenyan feels the positive impact of our work.”
She emphasized her commitment to championing mental wellness and work-life balance in the public sector, noting that healthy and supported employees are vital to sustainable service delivery. “Taking care of ourselves, our work, and our families without compromising any of them is essential,” she added.
Outgoing Principal Secretary Gathecha highlighted several ongoing initiatives within the department, including the Human Resource Management and Development Bill, which is awaiting Cabinet approval before being tabled in Parliament.
He also pointed to the development and rollout of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), a landmark project built internally through multi-agency collaboration.
“The HRIS is already in use. The payroll system is operational, and integration with other government institutions is ongoing. It covers staff establishment, organizational structure, training, and more, elements central to the President’s performance-based governance approach,” he noted.
Gathecha also reflected on reforms within the National Youth Service (NYS), which he helped commercialize in line with President William Ruto’s directive to grow NYS recruitment from 5,000 to 100,000 by 2028, ensuring financial self-reliance for the institution.
Addressing staff welfare, he revealed that over 16,000 civil servants accessed counseling services in 2024 alone, a statistic that underscores the increasing focus on mental health in public administration.
In his final remarks, Gathecha called on all directors, agency heads, and senior leaders to support Dr. Imbunya as she takes the reins.
“This is a moment of continuity, not closure,” he said. “I urge every leader present to walk closely with the new Principal Secretary as we advance the Department’s strategic agenda for a stronger, more people-centered public service.”