Kenya—Technical Assistance to the Public Accountability and Service Delivery Programme (PASEDE)

Kenya’s debt profile changed rapidly in recent years. Large-scale public investments initiated since 2015 led to annual fiscal deficit levels above inflation and GDP growth rates. As part of a policy dialogue with Kenya and an overall European Union (EU) budget support programme of €26 million, our technical assistance supports the Public Finance Management (PFM) Reform Secretariat to successfully implement the PFM Reform Strategy (2018–2023). Better PFM will improve financial transfers to counties, enhance revenue mobilization, improve the business environment, and create better public investment management practices in Kenya.

Ultimately, the project contributes to the promotion of macro-fiscal stability, service delivery, and poverty alleviation in Kenya.

Accountability and governance are priority sectors under the Joint Cooperation Strategy between the EU and the Government of Kenya. Our support of the implementation of the 2018-2023 PFM reform strategy falls under the EU’s focus on a well-functioning devolution process, strengthened PFM systems, increased access to justice for all, enhanced civic space, and improved gender equality.

Our team also supports the PFM Reform Secretariat in the implementation of the Kenya PFM Communication Strategy and helps to strengthen the partnership between the EU Delegation and the Kenyan National Treasury and Planning.

Sample Activities

• Facilitate the identification, implementation, and monitoring of advisory and capacity-building activities targeting stakeholders of the PFM Reform Strategy 2018-2023.
• Support the PFM Reform Secretariat in the implementation of a Communication Strategy for the PFM Reform 2018-2023.
• Strengthen the partnership between the EU Delegation and the Kenyan National Treasury and Planning authority to monitor the implementation of the PFM Reform Strategy 2018-2023.
• Improve the coordination of the Kenyan PFM Reform Secretariat regarding donor-funded programmes that support public investment management practices reforms.

Select Results

• Conducted sector analysis as a part of a mid-term review of the existing PFM Reform Strategy 2018-2023. As a result, a number of reports have been completed including on customs clearance, ICT strategy assessment, fiscal decentralization, and public procurement.
• Prepared sectorial reports on human resources and payroll management, public investment management and public-private partnership, as well as financial management in health and education to identify potential interventions and capacity-building activities for the next PFM Reform Strategy 2023-2028.
• Developed a brand manual to provide a consistent and cohesive brand identity for the PFM Reform Strategy.
• Published opinion pieces in Kenyan media as part of advocacy efforts to attain PFM reforms.
• Supported training at communications departments in charge of implementing the PFM reforms.
• Developed a blog and redesigned the website with information on PFM reforms to improve users’ experience.