NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Israel are seeking to deepen sector-based cooperation aimed at strengthening public service delivery, following high-level talks between the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes and the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi.
Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Gideon Behar paid a courtesy call on Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku at Harambee House on Thursday, where the two sides discussed collaboration in public service digitalisation, human capital development, institutional capacity building, and structured knowledge exchange.
The talks focused on how Israel’s technical expertise and innovation ecosystem could support Kenya’s ongoing public sector reforms, particularly efforts to modernise service delivery and improve efficiency across government institutions.
CS Ruku said Kenya is keen to learn from global best practices that can strengthen professionalism, skills, and responsiveness in the public service.
He noted that existing institutions such as the Kenya School of Government (KSG) and the National Youth Service (NYS) provide ready platforms for skills development, leadership training and long-term capacity building.
“These institutions can serve as channels for structured knowledge transfer and practical training that responds to Kenya’s reform priorities,” Ruku said.
Public service digitalisation emerged as a key area of interest, with discussions exploring how technology-driven systems can improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen access to government services.
Kenya has, in recent years, expanded e-government platforms as part of wider public sector reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and enhancing accountability.
Disaster preparedness and response also featured prominently in the discussions, against the backdrop of rising climate-related emergencies affecting the region.
Both sides exchanged views on institutional readiness and coordination during disasters such as floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
Ambassador Behar shared insights from Israel’s experience in disaster management, climate resilience, and rapid response systems. He noted that institutional preparedness, data-driven planning, and inter-agency coordination have been central to Israel’s approach, and could offer useful lessons for Kenya as it strengthens its own frameworks.
Agricultural innovation was another area highlighted for potential cooperation, particularly in irrigation technology and water management. Ambassador Behar pointed to Israel’s advanced drip irrigation systems, which have enabled high agricultural productivity in water-scarce environments.
He said such technologies could be integrated into Kenya’s public sector training and institutional capacity-building programmes, especially as the country grapples with food security challenges linked to climate variability and population growth.
CS Ruku said any cooperation with Israel would align strictly with Kenya’s national development priorities and existing policy frameworks. He added that all engagements would be coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure coherence and avoid duplication.
“Partnerships must support our national agenda and strengthen institutions in a sustainable way,” Ruku said.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development Dr Jane Kere Imbunya, underscoring the government’s focus on linking international cooperation to domestic reform programmes.
Kenya reaffirmed its interest in partnerships that enhance institutional capacity, skills development, and service delivery outcomes. Israel, on its part, expressed readiness to share technical knowledge and experience in areas of mutual interest through structured cooperation.
