Gov’t Issues New Directive on Public Service Promotions

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has introduced a new directive that will change how public servants are promoted across all government institutions.

Following a meeting on Monday, July 21, PSC Commissioner Francis Meja said performance appraisals will be a key requirement for any officer to be promoted.

He said the move is in a bid to restore integrity and efficiency in the promotion process within the public sector. 

Meja noted that in recent years, some promotions have been granted without clear justification, undermining the quality of service delivery.

"We have witnessed instances where officers are promoted without any clear evidence of performance or competency, and this has undermined the efficiency of the public service. Going forward, no promotions will be effected without due consideration of quarterly performance appraisals," he said.

Meja urged authorized officers in ministries, state departments, agencies, and state corporations to conduct timely and consistent performance appraisals for the staff under their supervision.

"The Commission’s objective is to ensure that only qualified and deserving officers serve in key public positions. This will enhance accountability and ensure Kenyans receive quality and efficient services,” he added.

The directive comes a week after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku issued a warning to civil servants who report to work late and those who are always absent during working hours, declaring that they will now be treated as ghost workers.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 15, Ruku stated that habitual lateness and unexplained absences will no longer be tolerated in government offices. 

"Everybody working in any government office who doesn't report to work at the required time and those who report to work and later disappear will be treated as ghost workers moving forward," he said.

Ruku also announced immediate measures to identify and deal with those who fail to adhere to proper reporting times.

"Starting today, for those who are late, we are going to get your name, personal number as well as ID number and we will issue a show cause letter of why you are not taking your job seriously," he added.