Govt unveils matrix to reinforce discipline, accountability in public service

The Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff at State House, Felix Koskei, has unveiled a new “Matrix of Lawful Consequences” aimed at strengthening discipline, accountability, and efficiency across Kenya’s public service.

Speaking during a high-level virtual meeting with senior government officials and institutional leaders, Koskei explained that the framework provides a structured and lawful approach to addressing repeated infractions, including absenteeism, negligence, and chronic underperformance.

He revealed that this initiative is part of broader governance reforms designed to achieve tangible improvements in service delivery.

“This is not about punishment for the sake of it,” Koskei said. “It is about restoring clarity and timeliness in how we respond to misconduct and performance lapses. We want a culture where rules are known—and so are the consequences.”

According to the Head of Public Service, the Matrix is grounded in existing laws, policies, and constitutional values of fairness, consistency, and due process. It aims to tackle persistent challenges such as unresolved audit queries, non-compliance with directives, and institutional inertia that have long hindered reform efforts.

“Kenyans are no longer interested in plans and rhetoric,” Koskei remarked. “They want a public service that works efficiently, ethically, and delivers impact. This is the moment to move from systems on paper to integrity in action.”

During the over three-hour meeting, Koskei reiterated that the framework will be applied uniformly across the entire public service—Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior officers alike—signalling a serious government commitment to reform.

He added that the groundwork for implementation is already complete, with policies, training, and guidelines established. “What remains now is consistent and fair enforcement,” he noted, explaining that this will begin with departmental reviews and legal alignment across all institutions.

“Kenyans may not know what’s in our framework,” Koskei stated, “but they can tell when services work—and when they don’t. This is the time for public service to deliver visible, tangible outcomes.”