Legal ForumExample Category: LSK Kajiado ForumKenyan Government Introduces New …Post Reply

Post Reply: Kenyan Government Introduces New Directive on Public Service Promotions

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on July 23, 2025, 9:03 am</div><div id="pl-7144"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7144-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7144-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7144-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
			class="so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base"
			
		>
<div class="siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget">
	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya has announced a significant shift in the promotion policy for public servants, emphasizing merit-based advancements anchored on performance appraisals. This new directive, effective immediately, aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and professionalism across all government institutions, aligning with the broader vision of transforming the public sector into a more responsive and effective entity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The PSC has outlined that promotions will no longer rely solely on academic qualifications or seniority. Instead, civil servants must demonstrate exceptional performance, measurable through a structured appraisal system. This change responds to public demand for a professional public service that prioritizes service delivery over traditional metrics like academic credentials or years of service. The directive seeks to eliminate inefficiencies, such as ghost workers, and ensure that promotions are justified by tangible contributions to organizational goals.</p>
<p dir="ltr">According to the PSC, the new policy will involve a comprehensive performance evaluation process. Public servants will be assessed based on key performance indicators, including their ability to meet targets, innovate, and contribute to the overall objectives of their respective institutions. This move is seen as a step toward fostering a culture of accountability, where promotions are earned through demonstrated competence rather than automatic progression.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The implementation of this directive has already begun, with the PSC issuing circulars to all relevant officers and stakeholders to kickstart the process. The commission has emphasized that the appraisal system will be transparent and competitive, taking into account factors such as regional, ethnic, and gender balance to ensure fairness. This aligns with the constitutional principles outlined in Articles 10 and 232 of the Kenyan Constitution, which emphasize integrity, competence, and equity in public service.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, the directive has sparked mixed reactions. The Union of Kenya Civil Servants, led by Secretary General Tom Odege, has expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with civil servants before the policy's implementation. Odege argued that the sudden shift could disadvantage workers who have been awaiting promotions, particularly those seconded to county governments. He described the policy as a potential setback for employees who have served for extended periods without advancement, urging the PSC to engage stakeholders to address these concerns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The new directive comes at a time when the Kenyan government is undertaking broader reforms to streamline public service operations. Recent initiatives include digitizing procurement processes to curb financial mismanagement and settling verified pending bills to support businesses. The PSC's focus on merit-based promotions is part of this transformative agenda, aiming to align public service delivery with the expectations of Kenyan citizens.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This policy shift also reflects the government's response to public criticism regarding inefficiencies in the public sector. By prioritizing performance, the PSC aims to build a workforce capable of delivering critical services effectively, thereby enhancing public trust in government institutions. The directive is expected to impact thousands of civil servants across various ministries and agencies, with the PSC urging all public officers to familiarize themselves with the new appraisal criteria.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As the implementation unfolds, the PSC has committed to monitoring the process to ensure compliance and address any challenges. The commission has also called on public servants to embrace the change as an opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to national development. With this directive, the Kenyan government signals a bold step toward a more dynamic and results-oriented public service.</p>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div></blockquote><br>

Cancel

Legal Forums

Post Reply: Kenyan Government Introduces New Directive on Public Service Promotions

Recent Posts

Crisis at Kenyatta National Hospital: Senators Demand Action on Overcrowding and Security Failures

Court Orders Equal Pay for UHC Nurses Amid Absorption Plan