Kenya Government Proposes Shift of Civil Servants to Five-Year Performance-Based Contracts
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Public Service, has unveiled a major reform proposal to transition over 1 million civil servants from traditional permanent and pensionable employment to renewable five-year contracts.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the plan during the launch of the Public Service Commission Strategic Plan 2025-2029 on February 26, 2026, describing it as a key component of a broader Public Service Transformation Policy. The initiative aims to enhance accountability, boost service delivery, curb complacency, and align the public workforce with modern demands, including technological advancements and the government's five-year electoral mandate.
Under the proposed framework, public officers would sign fixed-term contracts lasting three to five years, with renewals contingent on meeting clearly defined performance targets. Those who perform effectively would have their contracts extended, while underperformers could face non-renewal and exit the service. Ruku emphasized that the change would apply across the board, from senior executives to support staff, and is intended to address issues like impunity and inefficiency in the sector. The policy document is now finalized and scheduled for presentation to a Cabinet committee in the coming week, followed by the full Cabinet for approval, potentially in March 2026.
The announcement has sparked widespread debate, with concerns raised about job security, long-term loans, pension entitlements, and the potential for political influence in renewals. Supporters argue it could improve efficiency, reduce the wage bill burden from retirement benefits, and create opportunities for younger graduates. However, critics fear it may lead to instability and exploitation. If approved, the shift would mark a significant departure from the longstanding permanent terms under which civil servants currently retire at age 60, affecting the more than 1,054,425 public workers nationwide.
