Nairobi: Kenya and eight other African countries have signed a continental charter targeting to standardise public service procedures. The African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration also aims at promoting regional and continental integration. Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno signed the charter at the KICC, Nairobi, after the end of the 7th conference of African Public Service ministers on Saturday.

The charter will become effective 30 days after its signing. It aims at encouraging the exchange of experiences and best practices to create a database of information within the member states. It also aims at strengthening co-operation towards improving public service and administration. Other countries that signed the charter are Zambia, Ghana, Gambia, Burundi, Mozambique, Namibia and Congo.

The African Union Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had approved the charter at a meeting on January 31.

Kenya becomes chair of the newly elected seventh Bureau of the African Ministers of Public Service represented by Dalmas. Algeria holds the position of first vice chair, Ghana the second vice chair while Chad holds the slot of third vice chair.

It will seek to promote equality within the Public Service and administration structures. Other objectives of the charter include ensuring innovative service delivery, modernising administration and strengthening capacity.