I recently tweeted about the significant contribution of Kenya's Foreign Affairs team to the country's development, and it sparked a heated offline debate.
Unfortunately, the perception among many Kenyans is that public servants are ineffectual, a drain on our resources and a burden to the nation. This negative perception is the cause of the alarming lack of trust in government institutions.
The common myths and misconceptions about public servants stem from widespread incomprehension among citizens of how governments function. Misinformation and disinformation about public service are also major factors.
The truth is that public servants are responsible for ensuring our complex and interconnected society runs smoothly and achieves the high standard of living we aspire to.
From safeguarding our health and safety to maintaining our infrastructure and public spaces to ensuring access to education and social services, the work of public servants touches every aspect of our lives.
It is imperative to note that while each government agency has a crucial role in realising national goals, they don't operate in isolation. The optimal functioning of governments occurs when a complex network of interconnected government agencies is in place.
Let's point out the roles of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was the reason I was awakened to the severity of the negative perception towards public servants.
This ministry occupies a central position within the network of government institutions as its influence extends to virtually all areas of government operations.
Many for instance, may assume that Foreign Affairs is solely concerned with foreign policy. However, the knowledge gap here is that foreign policy is actually deeply connected to domestic policy.
A country's foreign policy, which reflects its values, priorities and interests on the international stage, is rooted in its domestic agenda.
As such, a very well capacitated foreign service machinery is fundamental to Foreign Affairs realizing the national agenda through advancing the country's interests in a globalized world.
Despite this ministry's contributions and its significant role in the nation's development, like other public institutions, it is rarely appreciated.
The ministry's officers whose contribution to national development cannot be gainsaid are actually often seen as elitist and out of touch with the general public. Many assume they are overpaid bureaucrats who spend their time in exotic locations on working holidays.
This perception may arise from the nature of the work and the need for confidentiality in some instances, which may limit the amount of information that can be shared with the public. Interestingly, the agencies whose functions are clear and with their services directly touching on our lives are not spared either from these harsh judgements.
Government healthcare workers, for instance, work tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe, often putting their own lives on the line to do so. However, their tremendous sacrifices and contributions that involve saving lives is seldom recognized.
Public service is not just a job but also a calling. Many public servants opt for this path due to their profound dedication to their nation and its citizens. This is why many highly skilled and experienced public servants decide not to pursue other viable opportunities despite the potential for more lucrative rewards.
The bulk of public servants work long hours and face challenging circumstances daily, at times with limited resources and support. As human beings, the thankless nature of their work makes it more challenging. However, they persevere, motivated by their desire to serve their communities and make a difference.
It undoubtedly takes dedication, competence, strong personality, incredible soft skills, and most importantly, patriotism to effectively deliver as a public servant.
Failures of civil servants are sometimes the result of systemic issues beyond their control. In contrast, the successes of civil servants are the result of their hard work and dedication to serving the public.
The negative actions of a few are perceived as reflective of a government agency as a whole. This ultimately erodes the public's confidence. But it is unfair to, in the first place, generalize to all civil servants the behavior of those who may abuse their positions for personal gain.
It is worth noting that recognizing the crucial role of public servants should not mean that they are above scrutiny. Accountability is essential to ensure that public servants are serving the country's interests and not their own. However, a transparent and accountable atmosphere should not translate to a hostile and unwelcoming environment that discourages public servants' dedication and commitment.
Lets change the prism through which we view government institutions and acknowledge that public servants are not a cost to be minimized or a burden to be borne; They are a critical investment for economic development and prosperity.
Public consciousness and gratitude for public servants is key to a more transparent and accountable atmosphere, which provides better and more responsive public services for a prosperous country.
So, the next time you encounter a civil servant, take a moment to thank them for their service and acknowledge their contributions to our society.
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