By Wilkister Alao
Senators have rejected the plan by the government to employ civil servants on a contract basis, arguing that there was no consultation or public participation.
On Tuesday, June 18, Public Service Commission Chairman Stephen Kirogo announced that from July new job seekers would no longer be permanently employed in the interest of curbing complacency in jobs, boosting productivity, and reducing the wage bill.
He said that the plan was to have those joining the civil service sign a three-year contract, strictly renewable after satisfactory performance. The already serving civil servants would have to sign performance contracts from the same date going forth.
This plan, however, seemed not to have pleased senators as it emerged on Thursday, June 20, in the Senate’s Labour Committee. The senators were of the opinion that the three-year contract proposal was a backdoor policy that will impact Kenya’s productivity negatively. They made a decision to summon the PSC chairman before the committee and have him explain whether the plan had been discussed by all the stakeholders.
“The committee has decided to engage all stakeholders to discuss the policy and seek the best way forward to ensure that the proposal serves the interests of those working in the civil service and the public,” said Senator Johnson Sakaja.
Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko said that the policy will worsen the working situation while Abdullahi Ali of Wajir thought the policy could trigger an exodus from civil service.
Senator Mutula KIlonzo Jr said, “The policy has no legal backing. The policy is not law and will never be law.”
Kericho Senator advised his colleagues to handle the matter with an open mind as already, the country “desperately needs direction on salaries.”
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