Ruto Orders Merit-Based Hiring and Promotions in Public Service, Warns Non-Performing Civil Servants

Ruto Orders Merit-Based Hiring and Promotions in Public Service, Warns Non-Performing Civil Servants

NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed all public institutions and independent commissions to adopt a strict merit-based approach in hiring and promotions, warning that civil servants who fail to meet performance expectations risk being removed from public service.

The directive, issued during the National Productivity and Performance Conference in Nairobi on Friday, June 19, marks one of the strongest signals yet from the government on its commitment to improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across public institutions.

Addressing senior government officials, public servants, and policymakers, the President emphasized that competence, transparency, and measurable results must become the foundation of public sector employment and career progression.

“It is our expectation that all independent commissions and public service institutions hire on merit, fairness, and transparency so that only the most competent people get the opportunity to serve,” Ruto stated.

The President noted that public service plays a critical role in driving Kenya’s economic transformation and national development agenda, adding that government institutions can only deliver quality services if they are staffed by highly qualified and productive employees.

Push for Results-Oriented Public Service

In a major policy shift, Ruto directed that promotions should no longer be based primarily on years of service but rather on demonstrated performance and tangible outcomes.

“Promotion at work must be based on demonstrated results and never on mere longevity,” the President said.

He instructed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to immediately begin implementing frameworks that reward innovation, excellence, and productivity while addressing inefficiencies within government agencies.

The President further stressed that performance management should become a central pillar of public administration, arguing that taxpayers deserve value for money from public institutions funded through national resources.

According to Ruto, government workers who consistently deliver results should be recognized and rewarded, while those who fail to perform should face disciplinary action.

“We will reward performers and innovators, and we will sanction non-performers without apology,” he warned.

The remarks were met with support from participants at the conference, many of whom described the proposed reforms as necessary for transforming Kenya’s public service into a modern, responsive, and citizen-focused institution.

Technology and Skills Development at the Centre

Beyond performance management, the President called for accelerated adoption of technology across government departments to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery.

He said digital transformation remains a key pillar of the government’s modernization agenda and will help eliminate bureaucratic delays, improve transparency, and reduce opportunities for corruption.

Ruto urged civil servants to embrace continuous learning through upskilling and reskilling programmes, particularly as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape workplaces globally.

He noted that public servants must remain adaptable to remain effective in a rapidly changing environment.

The President also challenged government institutions to invest in human capital development, saying that technology alone cannot drive transformation without a skilled workforce capable of utilizing modern systems effectively.

Counties Urged to Follow Suit

The Head of State extended the productivity agenda beyond the national government, urging county administrations to embrace similar reforms.

He called on governors and county governments to benchmark against one another, adopt best practices, and strengthen accountability mechanisms to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Ruto said the constitutional principles outlined in Articles 10 and 232 should guide all public officers, regardless of the level of government.

SRC Reforms Reinforce Government Agenda

The President’s announcement comes days after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) unveiled plans to introduce performance-based pay structures in the public service.

SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony recently revealed that the government is studying international models, including Singapore’s highly regarded public service framework, where a significant portion of employee earnings is tied directly to performance.

The proposed reforms seek to align compensation with productivity while ensuring public resources are used efficiently.

As Kenya seeks to improve governance and accelerate economic growth, the government’s latest push for merit-based recruitment, performance-driven promotions, and greater accountability is expected to spark significant debate across the public sector.

With implementation now in focus, attention will shift to how government agencies, commissions, and county administrations translate the President’s directives into measurable improvements in public service delivery and productivity nationwide.

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Ruto Orders Merit-Based Hiring and Promotions in Public Service, Warns Non-Performing Civil Servants