A Bill seeking to compel civil servants to retire upon attaining their retirement age of 60 years has continued to gain support from MPs.
Members of the Labor Committee on Thursday unanimously endorsed the Bill saying this would help create more jobs in the public service.
The Public Service Amendment Bill, 2023 sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru is currently on the Committee stage.
Should Parliament approve, the government will be barred from renewing terms or extending contracts for persons who have attained the mandatory retirement age.
While giving her input, Bungoma Woman representative Catherine Wambilianga said the current provisions have continued to disadvantage many Kenyans looking for jobs.
She cited the Teachers Service Commission CEO who she claimed despite attaining the retirement age her term has been renewed twice.
“I want to say I fully support this Bill…we want to stop this habit of recycling people once and for all because it is like at TSC for example we have no other teachers who can take up that position,” said Wambilianga.
Muhoroni MP James Onyango voiced similar sentiment saying this should also transcend to the counties.
The counties, he said, have been the 'landing grounds' for most officers who have served their full terms in public offices.
“We have seen instances where some retirees in the civil service are being reengaged by the governors yet there are many people who are qualified and being denied the jobs,” said Onyango.
Kangundo MP Fabian Muli even supported a proposal by Lunga Lunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale to have the retirement age limit of 60 reverted to 55 years and “we shall be making the Kenyan youth proud”.
Appearing before the Committee to defend the Bill, Gathiru said the amendment forms a critical premise in addressing unemployment as it sets grounds to increase job opportunities for those below 60 years.
“Continued retention of staff and officers whose retirement is due on assumption of possessing critical skills and competence negates the demand for good corporate governance through succession planning,” he explained.
Currently, under the PSC Act, officers who have hit their retirement ages can be engaged if they possess rare knowledge and skills, if they are willing to be engaged on contract and if their performances cannot be impaired by age.
The Committee chaired by Runyenjes MP Karemba Muchangi is now expected to develop a report before tabling the Bill in the House for consideration.
Retirement age for civil servants was increased in 2009 from 55 to 60 years.
The Bill further provides that any Kenyan who has served for six months on contract is eligible for appointment.
“The period of six months prescribed should provide adequate time for the organization to recruit and substantively fill the position,” the Bill reads.
Muchangi assured the sponsor that the Committee will “do justice to the Bill”.
