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<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on July 28, 2025, 10:11 am</div><div id="pl-7273"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7273-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7273-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7273-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A recent audit report has cast a spotlight on significant operational and legal challenges facing Huduma Kenya, the country's flagship program for delivering essential government services. Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has highlighted that the Huduma Kenya Secretariat, established in 2014, has been operating without a proper legal or policy framework for over a decade, raising questions about the legitimacy of its operations.</p>
<p dir="ltr">According to the audit for the 2023/2024 financial year, Huduma Kenya was set up under Gazette Notice No. 2177 of April 4, 2014, which mandated the creation of a legal and policy framework to guide its operations. However, no such framework has been developed, leaving the program in a state of legal ambiguity. The Auditor General emphasized that this absence undermines the program's credibility, stating that the legality of Huduma Kenya's operations cannot be confirmed without proper legislation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Huduma Centres have become vital one-stop shops for Kenyan citizens, offering services such as National ID and birth certificate applications, driving license issuance, KRA PIN registration, police clearance certificates, and access to services from HELB, NHIF, NSSF, and passport applications. Despite their importance, the lack of a formal legal structure raises concerns about accountability and governance.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The audit report also pointed out significant lapses in oversight. The Gazette Notice required the Service Delivery Summit, an oversight body, to meet at least twice annually to provide strategic direction. However, no minutes or evidence of such meetings were provided for audit review, indicating a failure to fulfill this mandate. Similarly, the Technical Committee, chaired by either the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution or the Interior Ministry and comprising nine Principal Secretaries and the Solicitor General, has not developed the required policy or legislation. This administrative oversight further complicates the program's ability to operate transparently and effectively.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Another critical issue raised in the audit is the unauthorized occupation of 23 Huduma Centres located within premises owned by the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK). The report noted that there is no formal lease agreement between the Huduma Kenya Secretariat and PCK, leaving questions about rent and utility payments unresolved. This lack of formal agreements could lead to financial and operational disputes, further jeopardling concerns about the program's sustainability.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Auditor General's findings underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms to ensure Huduma Kenya's compliance with legal and financial standards. The report calls for the development of a robust legal and policy framework to formalize the program's operations and enhance accountability. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing clear agreements for the use of PCK premises to avoid potential conflicts and ensure financial transparency.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Huduma Kenya has been a cornerstone of Kenya's efforts to streamline access to government services, serving millions of citizens annually. The program's one-stop model has been praised for its convenience and efficiency, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for Kenyans seeking essential documentation and services. However, the audit's revelations threaten to undermine public trust in the initiative. Without a clear legal foundation and effective oversight, the program's ability to deliver services consistently and transparently could be at risk.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The report comes at a time when Kenya's oversight institutions, including the Auditor General's office, are grappling with broader challenges such as underfunding and limited enforcement authority. These systemic issues compound the difficulties faced by programs like Huduma Kenya, which rely on strong governance to fulfill their mandates.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As of now, the State Department for Public Service has not publicly responded to the audit findings. Stakeholders are calling for swift action to address the highlighted issues, including the development of enabling legislation and the formalization of agreements with PCK. The government’s response will be critical in determining the future of Huduma Kenya and its role in public service delivery.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The audit report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize legal and administrative reforms to safeguard Huduma Kenya’s operations. As the program continues to play a vital role in serving Kenyan citizens, addressing these gaps will be essential to maintaining its effectiveness and public trust.</p>
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