Government Strengthens Cabinet Processes through Capacity Building of Liaison Officers
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Cabinet processes and improving coordination across State Departments through targeted capacity building of Cabinet Liaison Officers. This was underscored during a capacity-building programme held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Mombasa County, and attended by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, and the Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Mercy Wanjau, EGH.
The programme, organised by the Cabinet Office, brought together Cabinet Liaison Officers from thirty State Departments, providing a strategic platform to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of Cabinet procedures and institutional processes. The training forms part of ongoing Public Sector Reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in the Public Service Delivery.
Speaking during the programme, Dr. Dokota emphasized the critical role played by Cabinet Memoranda Officers in the coordination, flow, and delivery of Government business. He noted that these officers will serve as the vital link between technical departments and the Cabinet, ensuring that policy proposals, legislative initiatives, and implementation reports are prepared accurately, submitted on time, and fully compliant with established Cabinet procedures.
“The effectiveness of Cabinet decision-making is closely tied to the quality of submissions presented for consideration,” said the PS. “Liaison Officers carry a significant responsibility to ensure that Cabinet Memoranda are well-researched, clearly articulated, and aligned with national priorities and policy frameworks.”
He observed that well-prepared Cabinet Memoranda enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Cabinet deliberations by enabling informed discussions and timely decisions. In turn, this contributes to sound policy outcomes, improved coordination across government, and accelerated implementation of Cabinet decisions. Poorly prepared or delayed submissions, he cautioned, can impede decision-making and slow the delivery of government programmes.
Dr. Dokota further stressed the importance of continuous professional development for Liaison Officers, noting that the evolving policy environment and growing public expectations require constant enhancement of skills and competencies. He highlighted the need for officers to strengthen their capacity in drafting high-quality Cabinet Memoranda, coordinating inputs across multiple stakeholders, and systematically tracking and supporting the implementation of Cabinet Decisions.
The capacity building programme focused on deepening participants’ understanding of Cabinet procedures, roles of various institutions within the Cabinet system, and best practices in conducting Cabinet processes. Through interactive sessions and peer learning, officers were able to share experiences, identify common challenges, and explore practical solutions to improve coordination and harmonise standards in the conduct of Cabinet Business.
The PS noted that strengthening the competencies of Cabinet Liaison Officers is a key pillar in improving Whole-of-Government coordination. Effective liaison, he said, ensures coherence in policy formulation, avoids duplication of effort, and enhances the alignment of government actions with national development priorities such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to institutional capacity building, Dr. Dokota stated that the State Department for Cabinet Affairs will continue to support similar programmes as part of broader reforms to strengthen Cabinet systems. These efforts, he added, are essential to entrenching a culture of professionalism, accountability, and results-oriented performance within the public service.
The Principal Secretary further noted that effective and well-coordinated Cabinet processes ultimately translate into improved service delivery for citizens. By ensuring that Cabinet Decisions are implemented efficiently and with fidelity, government institutions are better positioned to respond to public needs and expectations while safeguarding the integrity of Cabinet decision making.
The capacity-building programme at the Kenya School of Government marks an important step in reinforcing the institutional framework that underpins Cabinet operations. It reflects the Government’s continued focus on strengthening internal coordination mechanisms to support evidence-based decision-making, timely implementation of policies, and delivery of tangible outcomes for Kenyans.
The participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their respective State Departments and to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the management of Cabinet Business. Through such initiatives, the Government continues to build a capable and responsive public service that effectively supports national development and inclusive governance.