Editor's Review

“This week on Friday, I will be moving to Cabinet to present a proposal which if Cabinet approves, all government workers from drivers to cleaners to everyone would be converted to contract." 

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now says he will be moving to Cabinet to table a proposal to abolish the permanent employment of civil servants.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, April 23, CS Kuria said the move is aimed at reducing the burden on the taxpayer by reducing the wage bill.

The Public CS argued that one million civil servants consumed 50 percent of Kenya’s tax revenue while the rest of the country relies on the remaining 50 percent.

“This week on Friday, I will be moving to Cabinet to present a proposal which if Cabinet approves, all government workers from drivers to cleaners to everyone would be converted to contract. There is no one going to be employed on a permanent basis anymore,” said Kuria.

He added. "If you want to be permanent, show me that even your tenure on earth is permanent, we are all on a contract even on this earth.”

File image of Public Service CS Moses Kuria. 

At the same time, CS Kuria directed union dues for the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to be suspended after the union failed to call off the doctors’ strike despite having an agreement with the government.

“As a minister for public service, I am in charge of the payroll. I cannot continue working for free for a union that is not respecting court orders.

"I have instructed my payroll people not to remit the dues for this particular union because I will be abetting crime and disrespect for court orders, enough is enough,” CS Kuria stated.