MOD concludes nationwide dialogue on civilian staff policy

An officer airs her views on the proposed Defence Civilian Staff Policy during town hall meeting at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Lang’ata, Nairobi, June 21, 2025. /DOD

After nearly two months on the road, the Ministry of Defence has concluded its nationwide public participation exercise on the proposed Defence Civilian Staff Policy (DCSP), closing with town hall meetings at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

The four-day Nairobi engagement brought together military and civilian personnel from Embakasi, Kahawa, Lang’ata Garrisons, and the National Defence College, offering them a rare platform to directly shape a policy that could redefine their working lives.

Led by the Ministry’s Secretary for Administration, Isaac Masinde, the technical committee guiding the DCSP gathered feedback on the draft document.

The policy seeks to foster an integrated workforce within the ministry, while preserving the clear lines between civilian and military roles.

Masinde, who addressed participants at each of the four Nairobi centres, highlighted the policy’s focus on bridging longstanding human resource gaps.

“The draft blueprint was designed to address identified human capital management gaps such as career progression, staff establishment, remuneration and welfare among others,” he said.

Participants take notes on the proposed Defence Civilian Staff Policy during town hall meeting at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Lang’ata, Nairobi, June 21, 2025. /DOD

Participants had the opportunity to review and reflect on the draft, submitting detailed recommendations for consideration.

The input gathered during the nationwide exercise will inform revisions before the policy is formally adopted.

This week’s sessions marked the final leg of a broader consultation that has already taken place in Coast, Western and Eastern regions.

Alongside Masinde, the technical team included all Heads of Department within the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier F. Lobally, Lt Col M Mutua, and Wangeci Gichangi from the Public Service Commission.

The process signals a shift in how the ministry engages its workforce—by not only listening, but acting on what it hears.

Participants at the close of town hall meetings on the proposed Defence Civilian Staff Policy at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital in Lang’ata, Nairobi, June 21, 2025. /DOD