Retirement age rule doesn't apply to PS positions, says PSC
The recruitment process sparked debate after critics pointed out that some shortlisted individuals had surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60, contradicting a directive by President William Ruto last year.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed concerns over the shortlisting of candidates aged above 60 for Principal Secretary (PS) positions, stating that the retirement age rule does not apply to state officers.
The recruitment process sparked debate after critics pointed out that some shortlisted individuals had surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60, contradicting a directive by President William Ruto last year.
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However, the PSC clarified that the rule only applies to public officers on permanent and pensionable terms.
"The 60-year rule applies to public officers appointed on permanent and pensionable terms of service. It doesn't apply to state officers," PSC Director of Public Communication Browne Kutswa said in a statement.
He noted that state officers, including Principal Secretaries, serve on contractual terms and are therefore exempt from the retirement age limit.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are expected to conclude today, even as questions linger about the role of retirees in the public sector.
Succession planning
A recent PSC report revealed that over 1,400 public servants beyond the retirement age are still in office, raising concerns about youth employment and succession planning.
The report shows that public universities have the highest number of over-age employees, with 808 workers above 60 years old still holding various positions.
State corporations follow with 369, while ministries, state departments, and agencies account for 154 such officers.
Additionally, 81 staff at Technical and Vocational Training Institutions (TVETs) have surpassed the retirement age.
At the ministry level, State House leads with 47 employees over 60, followed by the Foreign Affairs Department (22), the Medical Services Department (19), and the Internal Security and National Administration Department (13).
Other affected departments include Cabinet Affairs (11), the Office of the Deputy President (9), and the Water Department (5).
Among state corporations, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) tops the list with 114 employees over 60.
A major transport corporation follows with 66, while Muhoroni Sugar and the National Museums of Kenya have 18 and 15, respectively.
Despite growing concerns about the ageing workforce, PSC data indicates that youth representation in public service remains low, with only 28 per cent of jobs held by individuals aged 19-35. Meanwhile, 61 per cent of employees fall within the 19-46 age bracket.
The debate over retirement rules comes amid President Ruto's directive last July that public servants who reach 60 years should retire immediately, with no extensions to their tenure.
Critics argue that retaining retirees in top government positions locks out younger professionals from leadership roles, while others defend the move, citing the need for experience and institutional memory.
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