Uncertainty looms for 3,100 civil servants in sweeping parastatal reforms
The final step now awaits full Cabinet approval before the reforms can be rolled out and resources allocated to support the voluntary exits.
Thousands of public servants working in various state corporations could soon be forced to make tough career decisions, as the government moves forward with the plan to merge several parastatals.
According to The Star, the National Treasury has disclosed that the reforms will include job cuts and early retirement offers for workers affected by the restructuring.
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As part of the transition, the government is preparing to offer voluntary early retirement packages to employees who will not be absorbed into the new structure.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi outlined the plan in documents supporting the 2025-26 budget, where he described how the changes will affect both the public workforce and government finances.
“Once Cabinet approval is obtained for the implementation of the reforms, the government will allocate budgetary resources to fund voluntary early retirement for employees who choose not to be redeployed,” Mbadi said.
The restructuring is part of a broader plan to improve the performance and efficiency of state agencies.
In January, the Cabinet gave the green light to merge 42 corporations into 20 agencies. The decision was reached after a review revealed that many of these bodies were facing financial strain, unable to meet legal and contractual obligations, and burdened with large unpaid bills.
Reassigned
Some workers will be reassigned within the new entities, but a large number are expected to leave public service altogether.
According to Treasury figures, around 3,100 employees are based at the affected corporations.
Of these, about 520, including chief executive officers, board chairpersons, and board members, work in nine state bodies that will be dissolved completely and their roles taken over by other agencies.
The government has also identified 16 additional corporations with outdated functions that are lined up for dissolution.
Meanwhile, around 2,600 staff are attached to agencies that the Cabinet concluded are duplicating services that can be offered by the private sector.
The fate of executives and staff across all affected corporations remains uncertain. While some may receive new roles within the revised structure, many others are likely to exit under the planned early retirement programme.
CS Mbadi emphasised that the plan will require proper funding to ensure smooth execution, adding that the aim is to allow affected workers an option to exit gracefully.
He noted that the restructuring is not just about cutting down the wage bill, but also about improving efficiency and aligning functions within the public sector.
With implementation appearing close, Treasury records show that preparations are already underway.
The final step now awaits full Cabinet approval before the reforms can be rolled out and resources allocated to support the voluntary exits.
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