Kenya government has proposed sweeping changes that would shift more than 1,054,425 civil servants from permanent and pensionable employment to five-year renewable contracts tied to performance, marking one of the most significant public sector reforms in decades.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said Thursday that a policy framework is ready and will be presented to the Cabinet committee before going to the full Cabinet for approval.
Push for results-driven culture
Under the plan, civil servants would sign five-year contracts, with renewals determined by performance reviews. The government says the shift is intended to build a results-oriented culture and ensure faster, higher-quality services for citizens.
Ruku said Kenya youthful and increasingly tech-savvy population expects more responsive and digitised services, adding that public institutions must adapt to demographic and technological change.
He spoke during the launch of the Public Service Commission Strategic Plan 2025-29 and the Citizen Service Delivery Charter at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
Concerns over misconduct and inefficiency
Ruku said human capital remains one of the government most valuable assets but acknowledged persistent challenges, including talent shortages, skills gaps, burnout and leadership succession risks in 2026.
He also cited concerns over absenteeism, lateness and misconduct among some officers, saying such practices undermine service delivery and erode public trust.
Public Service Commission Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye said the reform blueprint emphasises technology, innovation and good governance to prepare the workforce for generational shifts.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has previously flagged gaps in employment records, payroll irregularities and mismatched skills within public institutions, underscoring the scale of reforms facing the sector.
