Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has directed the Public Service Commission to suspend new and ongoing recruitments in the public service.
In a letter dated July 3, Kuria stated that the move was attributed to the austerity measures recommended by the National Treasury to control government expenditure.
“As outlined during his Budget presentation to Parliament on 13th June 2024, this measure is critical in controlling runaway recurrent expenditures and aligning with austerity measures across government,” read part of the letter by Kuria.
The CS further indicated that the action was in line with the Public Finance Management Act of 2012's guideline to lower the wage bill to 35% of revenue.
According to Kuria, Kenya's present public employees benefit, allowance, and salary spending has risen above sustainable levels, putting pressure on the country's finances.
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He added that it was hindering the government's ability to allocate resources towards essential national priorities.
"In view of expected budget cuts in the ongoing budget rationalization therefore, I urge you to halt any new recruitment and any that is ongoing and has not been concluded. During the suspension of employment, the government will conduct audit and clean all public payrolls," Kuria sated in a letter to PSC Chairman Amb. Anthony Muchiri.
He further added that in the meantime, the government was going to form a tripartite committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Public Service, National Treasury, and the Public Service Commission to evaluate the ongoing recruitment initiatives with the aim of ensuring compliance with reducing the public wage bill directive.
Kuria noted that any future hiring in the public sector must be justified by genuine operational needs.
