New Public Service in Namibia’s Public Sector

Description

Page: 1307-1313

Ralph Marenga (Department of Public Management and Political Studies, School of Business Management, Governance and Economics, Faculty of Commerce, Management and Law, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia)

This study appraises the implementation of the New Public Service (NPS) framework in Namibia’s public sector, focusing on its role in promoting citizen-oriented governance amid ongoing public service reforms. Motivated by the need to address inefficiencies, corruption, and rising demands for transparency and accountability in government operations, the research appraises how well Namibia aligns with NPS principles and the challenges hindering full implementation. Using a qualitative, thematic analysis of secondary data drawn from policy documents, academic literature, and government reports, the study finds that while NPS has contributed to improved participatory governance, responsiveness, and accountability, key obstacles remain. These include limited citizen engagement in policy formulation and service design, weak and inconsistent service delivery in rural and underserved areas, and inadequate institutional collaboration among public agencies. Recommendations include strengthening mechanisms for inclusive public participation, building institutional capacity through training and reform, and improving inter-agency coordination and communication to fully realise the benefits of NPS. The research contributes to broader discussions on public administration reform in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering valuable insights into how Namibia can leverage NPS to achieve sustainable, inclusive governance and more responsive public service delivery.