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Without accountability no large organization – be it private or public could function effectively. Accountability is the obligation to answer for or be responsible for one’s actions, ultimately to a party or authority that may impose a penalty for failure. In the case of the Government, the challenge is to make all Public Servants working towards the common objective of delivering improved services to citizens and to ensure that these services meet the standards and quality citizens expect. Such accountability is enforced both within Government (horizontally, on the supply side, between bodies) and between government and citizens (vertically or on the demand side). The Place of Accountability in PSRP II PSRP I focused on the installation of mechanisms for securing enhanced levels of accountability in the public service at
both institutional and individual levels. This involved the installation of systems and tools for strategic planning open
performance review and appraisal and client service charters. It also entailed instituting new rules and regulations for securing enhanced discipline and ethical conduct within the public service. In PSRP II Three main Avenues for Enhancing Accountability will be Addressed: Accountability to citizens: without citizens and their representatives clamoring and lobbying for improved services, PSRP’s impact will be negligible. During this phase, the programme will stimulate demand for service delivery improvement and facilitate the use of systems, such as complaints handling mechanisms, to improve the interface between service providers and service users. Accountability across Government: this occurs where one public institution holds another accountable. In PSRP II, these are built through reporting and accountability frameworks, the development of compliance inspection processes, roles, and systems, and the capacity development of internal institutions of accountability. Accountability within an organization: typically this will be between headquarters and decentralised service delivery posts or between individuals (such as the appraisal process) Planned Outcomes and Interventions in KRA 4 In recognition of the seriousness and continued prevalence of problems in that area, the Fourth Phase Government, which assumed office in December 2005, has “accountability and responsiveness” as its main theme and has zero tolerance to public service officials who do not take the commitment seriously. Planned Intermediate Outcomes: - Citizens and clients are increasingly aware of the availability of public services and their rights to access them;
- Louder voices in demanding for better access and quality of services;
- Public Servants listen better; they are courteous and responsive;
- Increased propensity by Public Service managers to share information; and
- Increased propensity by Public Servants to be accountable for service delivery results.
Broad Interventions to Achieve the planned Outcomes
1. Strengthening the demand side of accountability for service delivery;
2. Create and Enhance Channels for Feedback from Citizens and Clients;
3. Strengthen the capacity of Ethics oversight and compliance institutions;
4. Strengthen Internal Accountability Mechanisms within Government;
5. Promote Ethical Conduct in the Public Service; and
6. Strengthen the capacity of the Public Service Commission in the performance of the oversight role and functions.
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