This course aims to introduce undergraduate learners to the foundational principles and practices of public administration in Kenya, exploring the structures, functions, policies, and contemporary challenges in Kenya’s public administration system.

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

1. Explain the evolution, theoretical foundations, and legal frameworks of public administration in Kenya.

2. Evaluate the roles of public administration actors, the effectiveness of administrative practices, and policy implementation processes

3. Relate public administration theories to real-world governance challenges using case studies and practical examples.

4. Evaluate the role of professionalism, ethics, accountability, and transparency in public service while fostering a commitment to democratic governance.

Introduction to Public Administration in Kenya: Overview of public administration, Evolution of public administration in Kenya, Role of public administration in governance, The Kenyan Constitution and public administration; 

Theoretical Foundations of Public Administration: Classical and contemporary theories of public administration, Bureaucratic, New Public Management, and Public Governance models, Kenyan adaptation of public administration theories; 

Structure of Public Administration in Kenya: Institutional frameworks of Kenyan government (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary), Functions of key public institutions: Ministries, Parastatals, Local Authorities, Public service commissions and devolution; 

Legal and Ethical Frameworks in Public Administration: The role of the Kenyan Constitution in public administration, Legal principles: Administrative law, constitutional law, and public sector regulations, Ethical conduct, public service values, and integrity; 

Public Policy and Governance: Understanding the policy-making process in Kenya, Public policy theories: Rational choice, incrementalism, etc., Role of public administration in policy formulation and evaluation; 

Public Finance and Budgeting: Principles of public financial management in Kenya, The budgeting process and financial accountability, Role of the controller of budget, auditor-general, and public financial institutions; 

Public Sector Human Resource Management: Recruitment, training, and development of public servants, Performance management and motivation, Managing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the public service; 

Decentralization and Devolution in Kenya: The principles of decentralization and devolution in Kenya, Impact of devolution on service delivery and governance, Challenges and opportunities in devolved governance; 

Public Administration and Development: Public administration in promoting socio-economic development, Role of the public sector in sustainable development goals (SDGs), Public-private partnerships and governance in development;