- The Ministry of Public Service launches its new strategic plan that prioritizes ethical and citizen-oriented public service
- Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku accused civil servants of lack of commitment to governance principles
- Kenyans on social media expressed different opinions about the ministry’s proposal to review the terms and conditions of service of more than one million civil servants
Presidential Administration William Ruto you have proposed moving more than a million employees from permanent and retired contracts to five-year contracts based on alternative performance.
Source: Twitter
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service (CS) Geoffrey Ruku disclosed the information during the launch of the strategic plan of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, February 26.
Why did the government propose to change the terms of service?
Ruku said that over the years, citizens and civil society organizations have closely scrutinized public servants for their alleged bad behavior and lack of commitment to the principles and rules of governance and public service mandated by the Constitution.
He said that the following evils include the indifference of public servants, corruption, and delaying public services.
“In several institutions, public officials do not report to work on time, and some service centers do not work efficiently. Cases of absenteeism, tardiness, and general negligence in following work hours undermine service delivery and reduce public confidence,” the Minister said.
Ruku said he would present reform proposals to the Cabinet which, if approved, would force more than one million Kenyan civil servants to work under the new guidelines.
“We are working to bring about changes in the public service, which we are doing, and later I will present it to the Cabinet committee and then the whole Cabinet,” he revealed.
How did the Kenyans react?
Kenyans on social media expressed different opinions about the proposal, with some supporting the proposal, while others expressed concern and anger.
TUKO.co.ke has listed some comments from the internet:
Fridah Mutinda:
“Contracts should be annual; we need the young people to get jobs in those government offices.”
Jimale Bashir:
“Then I suggest being paid on an hourly basis!”
David Charles:
“Payment should be calculated on the number of hours worked.”
Source: Twitter
George Wasuna:
“Transition is not supposed to be immediate but gradual. This should apply to newly employed, but let the old folks retire peacefully.”
Edward Gareth:
“For new employees…You can’t vary an existing employment contract.”
Urbanized Villager:
“Will five-year contracts improve efficiency and accountability, or undermine stability and professionalism in the public service?”
Edith Njoroge:
“If jobs become contractual, then pay should be competitive, promotions timely, and working conditions humane. You can’t increase uncertainty without increasing compensation.”
Name Githungo:
“They should also consider increasing their salaries and allowances tenfold.”
George Nangabo:
“Jokes, not possible.”
Send Thuranira:
“You can’t be pensionable while working under contract.”
Did the government review the salaries of public servants?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the new approved salary structure for public officials in the 2025/2026 financial year was announced by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Jane Imbunya, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service and Human Resource Development, confirmed the increase.
The SRC said that the collective bargaining process will be used to adopt a compensation structure for unionized workers.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
