CS Muturi proposes radical changes to root out ghost workers from public service
It proposes that the Public Service ministry take charge of an information system designed to eliminate ghost workers and streamline the payroll.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has proposed a set of radical changes aimed at transforming the management of civil servants.
The Public Service Human Resource Management and Development Bill, 2024, seeks to strengthen the role of the Head of Public Service (HOPS) in overseeing government employees.
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If passed, the Bill would grant the HOPS, currently Felix Koskei, authority over the administration of the public service.
It also proposes the establishment of the Office of the Head of Public Service and the standardisation of human resource policies across government institutions.
“The Bill also seeks to provide for the adoption and application of uniform norms and standards in Kenya, while also establishing the Office of the Head of Public Service,” reads its memorandum.
One of the key proposals is the creation of a central human resource management posting committee that will be responsible for the deployment of senior officers.
This committee will work in consultation with the Public Service Commission to ensure fair and effective placement of staff.
Managing personnel
The Bill also aims to put the Ministry of Public Service at the core of managing personnel. It proposes that the ministry take charge of an information system designed to eliminate ghost workers and streamline the payroll.
To ensure accountability, the ministry would be required to conduct annual payroll audits and maintain a unified payroll number system for all public service employees.
“Public service entities shall subscribe to the Unified Human Resource Information System developed and maintained by the ministry,” the Bill says.
The ministry would also be tasked with coordinating medical insurance coverage for civil servants and ensuring smooth pension payments.
“The ministry shall, in consultation with the National Treasury, develop a policy for seamless remittance of public service employees’ contribution to pension accounts,” the Bill reads.
Payroll management
To tighten payroll management, the Bill proposes strict measures to prevent unauthorised staff entries. Ministries will be required to clean payroll records every three months and submit reports to the Public Service Ministry.
“Every ministry shall ensure that no person is introduced in the payroll without the approval of the accounting officer of a public service entity,” the Bill states.
It also gives the ministry a role in determining salaries for public officers, excluding state officers, in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
“The ministry responsible for public service shall promote fairness and equity in the remuneration of public officers,” the Bill says.
The Bill also highlights the ministry’s responsibility to recognise professional qualifications within the public service.
The Cabinet approved the Bill on March 11, with CS Muturi stressing the need for immediate action.
If enacted, the Bill is expected to bring major changes to the management of government workers at both national and county levels.
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