Kenyan MP Proposes Ending Permanent Employment for Civil Servants

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has proposed ending permanent employment for Kenyan civil servants, arguing that everyone is on contract on earth. Kuria, who also serves as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary, plans to present a proposal to the Cabinet this week that would convert all government workers, from drivers to cleaners, to contract-based employment.

The proposed changes would also target board members, Vice-Chancellors, Chancellors, and members of university councils. Kuria believes this move would improve efficiency and accountability in the public sector. He stated that all government workers, including doctors, will be converted to contract terms, similar to how the President and Cabinet Secretaries are on contract.

Why this matters: The proposal has significant implications for Kenya's public sector workforce and could potentially reshape the employment landscape for civil servants. If implemented, the changes would impact job security and benefits for a large number of government employees.

Kuria argued that the current system, where one million civil servants consume 50% of the country's tax revenue, is unsustainable and needs to be addressed through austerity measures. He accused the doctors' union of being dishonest in the ongoing strike negotiations and has instructed the suspension of the union's dues.

The proposal is set to be presented to the Cabinet on Friday for review. If approved, it would mark a major shift in Kenya's public sector employment practices. The move has already sparked debates about job security, workers' rights, and the potential impact on the delivery of public services.

Key Takeaways

• MP Moses Kuria proposes ending permanent employment for Kenyan civil servants.
• Kuria plans to convert all govt workers to contract-based employment, including doctors.
• Proposed changes target board members, VCs, and university council members.
• Kuria argues current system is unsustainable, with 1M civil servants consuming 50% of tax revenue.
• Proposal to be presented to Cabinet, marking a major shift in public sector employment.