The government is set to implement sweeping reforms in public service management following the Cabinet’s approval of the Public Service Human Resource Management and Development Bill, 2024, last Tuesday.

The bill aims to establish uniform norms and standards across national and county governments, ensuring greater professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery.

Among its key provisions is the establishment of clear career progression structures, enabling the government to promote public servants based on merit and competence.

Additionally, the government will introduce a Human Resource Information System to improve payroll management, enhance accountability, and optimise resource utilisation within government institutions.

CS Justin Muturi appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour, March 5, 2024.

Photo

National Assembly Committee's

Based on the Public Finance Management (Training Revolving Fund) Regulations, 2024, the government will be able to offer affordable training opportunities to public servants to enhance their skills and competencies.

According to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, the objective of the changes is to create a results-driven framework to ensure public officers remain accountable and committed to delivering quality services to the people.

"Our goal is to create a people-centred, 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 stated.

Furthermore, he added that the reforms are expected to improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions, ensuring a more responsive and effective public sector.

On Tuesday, Muturi chaired a high-level meeting with senior ministry officials, joined by the Principal Secretary from his ministry, Amos Gatheca, to strategise 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.

Last week the Cabinet also okayed the Internship and Volunteer Policy and Guidelines for the Public Service that gave Kenyans seeking internship opportunities within the public service opportunity to access to improved remuneration and a standardized framework.

According to the Cabinet, the endorsement of the policy will help address youth unemployment in the country and provide a standardized framework to streamline the recruitment, engagement, and management of interns and volunteers across government institutions. 

President William Ruto during a Cabinet meeting at State House Nairobi on March 11, 2025.

PCS