Abstract
The role politics plays in public service administration and service delivery has been of interest to studies. Too often, writers, analysts, and commentators have referred to the presence or absence of a political will or unspecified incentives as an explanation for service delivery outcomes. Although not relatively new, scholars have been trying to balance the two key concepts. In Africa, society has become a platform where politicians want to extend their domain thereby, politicising public and administrative institutions. On this note, this article, using pieces of literature, explored the impacts of politics in public administration while striking a balance for effective service delivery in selected African countries. The study highlights the friction that exists between politics and administration in Africa, as well as its effect on service delivery. The study argues that while it is difficult to separate politics and administration in Africa based on the crucial role they play in the provision of services, there can be a balance between the two that will enable them to work cooperatively.