Public Service Jobs 2024

The government has announced plans to scrap off permanent employment for civil servants in the latest effort to reform the public service through performance contracts.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday said it would from the next financial year start hiring staff on contract basis, following the implementation of a new policy that will be unveiled next month.

Under the new policy for hiring civil servants, PSC will phase out the permanent and pensionable terms of employment at entry cadres and instead introduce a three-year contract for all staff joining the service.

An employee will only have their contract renewed after meeting the defined performance targets outlined in their contract terms.

According to PSC chairman Stephen Kirogo, the new model will weed out lazy workers.

“This will ensure that people are retained in the public service based on their performance,” said PSC chairman Stephen Kirogo.

Mr Kirogo further maintained that contrary to popular perception, the Civil Service was not bloated but only hosted a workforce that was resting easy in the comfort of permanent and pensionable employment terms.

“We have done research and know that people need a job for about two or three years after that they move to other places. Our new policy will address turnover and retain competent skills,” he said.

Under the new structure, Promotions and retention will only be on merit and not automatic after every three years as is currently the case.

Civil servants will also be expected to start contributing a proportion of their salaries into their retirement scheme next month.

Kirogo was speaking during the unveiling of a study on the Public Sector Wage Bill that was done by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).