Kenya is set to train 48 civil servants of South Sudan.
The entry level government workers will undergo training in leadership skills, administration and management at the Kenya Institute of Administration (KIA) for a month.
The course will also equip them with skills in managing the payroll, organising and accessing data and effective time management.
Kenya has previously trained senior civil servants and mine-sweepers, among others, for South Sudan.
At the official launch of the programme on Wednesday, KIA director Margaret Kobia said Kenya has a responsibility to help Sudan build capacity and institutions.
“We need to help Sudan for the common good. They are our neighbours. If they are at peace and able to build an efficient civil service, they can build their economy and we can exchange goods and services, which helps us in the long run.
"If they are doing well, that means we are all doing well,” said Dr Kobia.
The government of Southern Sudan was established in 2005, putting an end to more than 20 years of civil war in that region. It is made up of 10 states.
Kenya has pledged more than Sh2 billion to help Sudan rebuild its government after playing a central role in negotiating the peace agreement.
Dr Kobia said the civil service training is a component of its commitment to Sudan.
“If training is not available within Africa, employees will eventually be sent abroad instead to improve their skills.
"And a place such as the United Kingdom will not comprehend the social and political climate here like we do and be able to offer solutions Africans can relate to,” she said.
Affirmative action
Dr Kobia said she would like to see more affirmative action regarding the employment of female civil servants, not only in Sudan but in Kenya as well.
Currently, only eight of the 48 trainees from Sudan are women. “Women need to be more involved in the decision-making process. That’s a sign of good governance in any country,” she said.