MPs have been urged to increase budgetary allocations for critical government programs and institutions facing the risk of stalling due to funding shortfalls.

Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi warned that underfunding not only hampers the effectiveness of government initiatives but also disrupts the delivery of essential services.

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour, CS Muturi highlighted key initiatives stalled by financial constraints, including civil servant training, Huduma Kenya centers, and human resource certification programs. 

He also stressed the need for adequate funding for strategic investments in human capital development, noting that budget cuts have severely impacted the Kenya School of Government (KSG), which plays a crucial role in training public servants.

“The Kenya School of Government is a cornerstone for capacity building in the public service. However, continued budget cuts have reduced training opportunities, creating competency gaps that impact service delivery,” he stated.

The Huduma Kenya program, which provides centralized government services across the country, was also highlighted to have suffered a major blow due to the cuts, as previous budgetary constraints had stalled several projects, limiting citizen access to crucial services.

“Huduma Kenya is designed to bring government services closer to the people, but without sufficient funding, many of its projects cannot move forward,” he noted. 

Muturi further called for increased support for the Human Resource Management Professionals Examinations Board, which certifies HR professionals in the public sector. He argued that investing in HR certification and training is essential for improving governance and service efficiency.

“A competent and well-trained workforce is at the heart of efficient governance. Investing in HR certification and training is not a luxury but a necessity,” he remarked.

Despite acknowledging financial limitations, the CS insisted that resource allocation must be structured to protect critical government institutions from budget cuts. He further challenged the committee to formulate a more structured approach to resource allocation, ensuring that key institutions receive the funding needed to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

“We cannot afford to underfund the very institutions that keep government services running. A well-equipped public service is the backbone of effective governance,” he said.

[email protected]