The government is set to implement far-reaching reforms in public service management following the Cabinet’s approval of the Public Service Human Resource Management and Development Bill, 2024, last Tuesday.
The legislation introduces uniform norms and standards across national and county governments, marking a significant step toward enhancing professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in public service.
Public Service and Human Capital Development, Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior ministry officials, joined by Principal Secretary Amos Gatheca, to strategize on the next steps for rolling out the reforms.
“With the Cabinet’s approval of this landmark Bill, we are now focusing on implementation. This legislation will transform human resource management in the public service by ensuring a structured career progression system, accountability in payroll management, and enhanced service delivery,” Muturi stated during the meeting.
Among the key provisions of the Bill is the establishment of clear career progression structures to ensure public servants advance based on merit and competency.
The Bill also introduces a centralized Human Resource Information System, which will improve payroll management, enhance accountability, and optimize resource utilization within government institutions.
Additionally, the Bill provides for the creation of the Public Finance Management (Training Revolving Fund) Regulations, 2024, which will offer affordable training opportunities to public servants to enhance their skills and competencies. The government sees continuous learning and professional development as key drivers of efficiency and global competitiveness in public service.
The Bill also prioritizes ethics, integrity, and performance management, establishing a results-driven framework to ensure public officers remain accountable and committed to delivering quality services to the people. These reforms are expected to foster a culture of professionalism, excellence, and efficiency within the public sector.
“Our goal is to create a people-centered, transparent, and accountable public service. These reforms will not only improve working conditions for public servants but also enhance service delivery for all Kenyans,” Muturi added.
With the ministry now moving forward with the Bill’s implementation, the reforms are expected to significantly improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions, ensuring a more responsive and effective public sector.
