Gov't Proposes Shifting Civil Servants from Permanent to Contract Terms

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku is set to table the reform proposals before the Cabinet. If approved, the changes will affect more than one million public officers across the country.

According to Ruku, the government is working on a broad public service transformation strategy that seeks to review the current employment framework. The new structure would apply to approximately 1,054,425 civil servants who currently retire at the age of 60 under permanent and pensionable terms.

Speaking during the launch of the Public Service Commission Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, the CS confirmed that the proposals are nearly ready and will soon be submitted to the Cabinet committee before being presented to the full Cabinet.

The anticipated reforms are expected to spark debate, as they could significantly alter job security, retirement benefits, and working conditions within Kenya’s public service sector.

More than one million civil servants in Kenya could soon face a major change in how they are employed after the government introduced a bold proposal to review their employment structure.

Under the new plan, public servants who are currently on permanent and pensionable terms may be moved to renewable five-year contracts. The proposal signals one of the biggest reforms in Kenya’s public service sector in recent years.

If implemented, the shift would replace the long-standing system that guarantees lifetime employment and pension benefits with performance-based contracts that would be reviewed every five years.

What the Proposal Means

The proposed changes aim to restructure the public service by introducing fixed-term contracts instead of permanent positions. Civil servants would be required to renew their contracts based on performance and set targets.

Supporters of the move argue that contract-based employment could improve accountability, efficiency, and productivity within government institutions. They believe it will ensure that public servants deliver results and remain competitive.

However, the proposal is likely to spark debate among workers’ unions and employees who may fear job insecurity and uncertainty over pension benefits.

A Major Public Sector Reform

Kenya’s public service employs slightly over a million workers across ministries, state agencies, and government departments. Transitioning them to contract terms would mark a significant policy shift in how government employment operates.

The proposal is expected to trigger consultations and discussions before any final decision is made.

As the government pushes for reforms in the public sector, all eyes will be on how the changes will affect job security, service delivery, and the future of civil service employment in Kenya.