Civil servants to work on 3-year contracts beginning July - full details on new changes as announced by Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Stephen Kirigo

Civil servants to be recruited starting July 2019 will be hired on three-year contracts, Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Stephen Kirigo announced on Tuesday.

Kirigo explained that the new measure is an initiative to reduce laxity that has become synonymous with government offices as well as pump some fresh blood into the civil service.

"We must be brutal if we want change...it will be your meagre contribution in managing the wage bill.

PSC Chairman Stephen Kirigo. Civil servants to work on 3-year contracts beginning July - full details on new changes Pulse Live Kenya

"Our public service must be fit-for-purpose and responsive to citizens' needs, " he stated.

Promotions and retention not automatic

The PSC chair added that in the new phase in the civil service promotions and retention will be based on merit and not seniority as has been the case.

Civil servants will also start contributing a part of their salaries to a retirement scheme beginning in July.

The new changes will take effect with the initial lot of 3,200 workers who are set to join the civil service in July.