President William Ruto’s administration has proposed to shift over one million servants from permanent and pensionable terms to five-year renewable performance-based contracts. President William Ruto’s government wants to introduce five-year renewable contracts for civil servants. Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku revealed the details during the launch of the Public Service Commission (PSC) strategic plan on Thursday, February 26. Why did the government propose changing terms of service? Ruku pointed out that over the years, citizens and civic organisations have closely scrutinised public employees for their alleged poor conduct and lack of commitment to the norms and principles of governance and public service mandated by the Constitution. He argued that the ensuing vices include public servants’ impunity, corruption, and delayed service to the public. “At several institutions, public officers are not reporting for duty on time, and some service points are not operating efficiently. Cases of absenteeism, lateness, and general laxity in adherence to working hours undermine service delivery and erode public confidence,” the CS stated.
Ruku said he will submit reform proposals to the Cabinet that, if approved, would force Kenya’s slightly over a million civil servants to work under new guidelines. “We are working on public service transformation, which we are doing, and I will later be presenting to the Cabinet committee and then the full Cabinet,” he disclosed. How did Kenyans react? Kenyans on social media expressed mixed reactions to the proposal, with some endorsing the suggestion, while others expressed anxiety and outrage. TUKO.co.ke sampled comments online: Fridah Mutinda: “Contracts should be yearly; 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 worked hours.” Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku accused civil servants of laxity.
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.” Urbanised 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.” Maina Githungo: “They should also consider increasing their salaries and allowances tenfold.” George Nangabo: “Jokes, not possible.” Mutuma Thuranira: “You can’t be pensionable while working under contract.”
