The Kenyan president adopts a merit-based system for hiring and promotions, and takes strict measures against those deemed incompetent.

Written by: Mohammed Omran

Issued Kenyan President William Ruto has instructed all public institutions to adopt a merit-based system of recruitment and promotion, warning that incompetent employees will be dismissed from the civil service, as part of the government's efforts to enhance productivity and accountability.

Roto enforces meritocracy in hiring and warns those who fall short in the civil service.

In his speech at the National Productivity and Performance Conference in Nairobi on Friday, June 19, Ruto stressed the need for all independent commissions and public institutions to ensure that only the most competent individuals are appointed to public service.

The President said: ”We expect all independent committees and public service institutions to base their hiring on merit, integrity and transparency, so that only the most competent people have the opportunity to serve.”.

Ruto also directed that promotions in the public service be linked to measurable results, not to the length of an employee's service.

The President stressed that promotions at work should be based on tangible results, not just length of service, directing the Public Service Commission to adopt these guidelines immediately.

The President also tasked the Civil Service Commission, independent commissions, and all public institutions with ensuring that the national values and principles set forth in Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution become the standard for every public office.

At the same time, Ruto warned that government employees who fail to meet expectations will face severe consequences, while high achievers will be rewarded, saying: ”We will reward the outstanding and innovative, and we will punish the underachievers without any hesitation.“.

The president also called for wider adoption of technology in government institutions, stressing that the state will continue to invest in digital systems and human capital to improve service delivery.

He urged civil servants to continually develop their skills to maintain their competitiveness in a rapidly changing work environment, especially as artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces around the world.

Ruto noted that the productivity agenda should not be limited to the central government, and urged provincial administrations, through the Council of Governors, to adopt similar measures and compare their performance with each other to improve efficiency.

The president's remarks come just days after the pay and bonuses committee unveiled plans to introduce a performance-based wage system in the civil service.

Committee Chairman Sammy Chipkwony said the government is studying models used in countries like Singapore, where a large part of workers’ wages is directly linked to performance, as part of major reforms aimed at boosting productivity and accountability in government institutions.