Kenya has launched the second cohort of the Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS) program, an initiative aimed at improving leadership and accountability in public finance management.
The move is part of the government efforts to strengthen the management of public fund and reduce wastage and embezzlement within state institutions.
The program developed by the African Capacity Building Foundation(ACBF), focuses on building leadership governance and accountability skills among senior officials working in key financial institution such as the National Treasury, the Office of the Auditor-General, the Office of the Controller of Budget ,the Kenya Revenue Authority and relevant parliamentary committees.
The launch of the second phase was held together with the graduation of the first cohort, who had successfully completed the six-month training.
The LEAPS program is being implemented across six African countries that is Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana which are designed to help senior officials lead more effectively, encourage collaboration and promote transparency in managing pubic fund.
Speaking at the event, Raphael Owino is the Director General Public Debt Management at the National Treasury said the program is part of wider efforts to equip leaders with the technical and ethical skills needed to manage public resources responsibly.
“The Foundation has supported the African government for many years in building leadership and governance systems. Training leaders in public financial management is vital, especially in developing countries where weak leadership often leads to mismanagement of public resources, “Owino said.
He noted that the training aims to transform how public institution handle finances by improving coordination, promoting accountability and strengthening transparency.
Owino added that the initiative comes at a crucial time as Kenya continue to face challenges related to public debt and mismanagement of funds. He emphasized that good governance and responsible leadership are key to ensuring debt sustainability and economic stability.
“Kenya is relying on improved governance to strengthen debt management and ensure financial responsibility. Equipping leaders from key institutions with the right training and skills is essential for accountability and effective management of public resources,” he said.
Beyond technical training, the LEAPS program includes ,modules on leadership, ethics and self- assessment. It encouraged a culture of reflection and continuous improvement with government institution, enabling officials to evaluate their performance and make necessary changes.
The initiative also seeks to improve collaboration between oversight bodies such as the Treasury, Auditor-General, Parliament, and revenue authorities. This is intended to reduce duplication of roles and close gaps in financial accountability.
With this launch, the program transitions from its pilot phase to full implementation, marking an important milestone for Kenya as it works to advance leadership reforms in the public sector.
According to the ACBF, strong and ethical leadership is essential for sustainable economic development.
By empowering senior officials to manage public finances effectively and transparently, the Foundation aims to strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust in government operations.
Article by Katematherson Okundo
