The government is stepping up efforts to reform the public service by introducing attendance registers for all civil servants. This initiative, announced by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, aims to boost accountability and restore discipline across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Speaking during a surprise visit to the Nyeri Regional Headquarters, Ruku explained that the registers will ensure every public officer has a clear schedule and is present during working hours. Supervisors will be tasked with monitoring compliance daily.
Alongside attendance tracking, the Ministry will enforce strict adherence to performance appraisal systems. A baseline survey will also be conducted to gauge employee satisfaction and highlight areas needing improvement.
The CS issued a stern warning to officers who habitually report late or disappear without valid reasons. Such cases, he noted, will be treated as ghost workers, attracting disciplinary measures.
“There is a need to bring back the Public Service working culture to improve service delivery,” Ruku emphasized. He voiced concern over Kenyans forced to queue early at government offices, only to find many staff missing from their desks.
Interestingly, the Teachers Service Commission and Huduma Centres stood out positively, recording over 98 per cent staff presence by 8 a.m. This was in sharp contrast to other government offices, where less than half of the employees reported on time.
Ruku further revealed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring all future public service jobs are awarded purely on merit. He lamented that previous employment practices had been marred by nepotism and connections, promising these practices would be rooted out.
By tightening policies and revamping HR systems, the government hopes to create a more responsive and professional public service that truly serves Kenyans.
By Kenyans