IN the ever-evolving world of institutional management, the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) has taken a significant step forward in transforming how evaluations of the boards of Public and Statutory Corporations (PSCs) are conducted.
Once reliant on manual processes, which were often slow and inefficient, the OTR has embraced a modern solution that promises to revolutionise the way it oversees institutions.
This major shift came in response to the challenges faced by the office in completing board evaluations for all institutions in a timely manner. The traditional method of conducting evaluations manually resulted in missed deadlines and incomplete assessments, leaving some institutions under-evaluated and lacking proper oversight.
The need for change was undeniable, and the solution was clear: digitize the evaluation process. As Mr Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, aptly put it: “Our industry does not respect tradition—it only respects innovation.” Mr Nadella’s focus on innovation highlights the importance of automating and modernising traditional systems, such as board evaluations, to stay competitive and efficient.
Online board evaluation tool
The Treasury Registrar, Mr Nehemiah Mchechu, recently stated that in line with directives to strengthen institutional management, his office has introduced a groundbreaking online board evaluation tool.
This new system, he explained, marks a pivotal moment in the office’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and accountability in government institutions.
“By moving away from paper-based processes, we have harnessed the power of technology to streamline board evaluations, reducing the time required for completion and making the process more transparent,” asserted Mr Mchechu.
The online tool allows for faster, more accurate assessments, ensuring that all institutions are evaluated without delay. The system, according to Mr Mchechu, eliminates the bottlenecks previously caused by manual handling, allowing for smoother operations and better results.
The evaluation process is conducted in accordance with Section 10(2)(e) and 10(5) of the Treasury Registrar (Powers and Functions) Act CAP 370. This legal mandate underscores the importance of governance oversight within PSCs.
Through this initiative, the OTR ensures that PSCs’ boards operate efficiently, adhere to regulations, and effectively utilise resources.
“The transition to an online board evaluation system is a game-changer for our office. We have long recognized the challenges posed by the manual system, and this innovation has allowed us to overcome those barriers,” said Mr Mchechu.
He went on to say: “It not only ensures that institutions are evaluated on time, but it also guarantees the quality and consistency of our assessments. The success we have seen in just one year, surpassing our target by 102 percent, is a clear testament to the effectiveness of this system.” In the 2023/24 financial year, he elaborated, 72 PSCs were evaluated, exceeding the initial target of 70 PSCs. This achievement demonstrates not only the system’s efficiency but also its scalability and effectiveness in meeting the OTR’s goals. Mr Mchechu emphasized that the success of this initiative aligns with the broader goals of enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government processes. “This digital tool is just the beginning. We are committed to continuous improvement,” he further said.
“As we refine the system, we will not only increase the number of evaluations but also improve the quality and speed of our assessments. The impact of this change, he expounded, will be felt for years to come, as we continue to strengthen institutional management across the country,” expounded Mr Mchechu.
Achievements of PSCs’ boards
The board performance evaluation, which covered 72 PSCs during the 2023/24 financial year, revealed remarkable achievements among the PSCs. According to the PSCs’ Board Performance Evaluation Report for the 2023/24 Financial Year, during the period, boards demonstrated strong governance through effective supervision, improved stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of performance improvement strategies.
“Boards of directors in evaluated PSCs ensured the timely and accurate implementation of government directives,” reads a part of the report, adding: “By providing oversight and guidance, these boards helped align PSCs operations with national development goals.” The evaluation also revealed how boards effectively supervised government projects within PSCs.
They ensured adherence to project timelines, budgets and quality standards. Their rigorous monitoring and evaluation have contributed to better project delivery, supporting the government’s development agenda. In addition, boards established strategies to improve PSCs’ performance, set clear goals, and implemented key performance indicators.
These efforts have driven a culture of excellence and innovation, resulting in enhanced organisational effectiveness. Boards also advocated for PSCs’ expansion through the establishment of branch offices and subsidiaries. These strategic moves have helped increase market reach and revenue generation, contributing to the overall economic growth. Active boards in the evaluated PSCs also fostered open communication, transparency and accountability with stakeholders, strengthening relationships and ensuring alignment with their interests.
This proactive engagement has played a vital role in enhancing the PSCs’ reputation and sustainability. Overcoming challenges Despite the success, the OTR’s Directorate of Management Services (DMS) faced several challenges in facilitating the evaluation exercise. Resource constraints, logistical hurdles and coordination difficulties initially hindered the process. However, innovative approaches, including the shift to online evaluations, were adopted to ensure the exercise’s continuity.
“The challenges we faced only reinforced the need for this digital transformation,” said Mr Mchechu, adding: “By embracing online evaluations, we not only overcame these obstacles but also enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of the process. This solution has set the foundation for even more impactful evaluations in the future.”
Looking to the future
The introduction of the online board evaluation tool is just the beginning. The OTR is committed to continuing its digital transformation, with plans to refine and expand the system in the coming years. As the tool evolves, it will allow for more sophisticated data analysis, quicker turnaround times and even more comprehensive evaluations. This step towards digitisation aligns with broader efforts to modernise government processes, ensuring that institutions are held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
For the OTR, the journey is just beginning, but the impact of this first step is already being felt across the board. The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of innovation in transforming public sector management and promises a future of even greater efficiency and effectiveness. This article is prepared by the Office of Treasury Registrar
