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President William Ruto has directed all public institutions to adopt merit-based hiring and promotion systems. He warned that underperforming civil servants will be removed as the government intensifies reforms in the public service.
He issued the directive during the National Productivity and Performance Conference held in Nairobi on Friday, June 19, 2026. Ruto said government institutions must prioritize competence and fairness in recruitment.
The President said all independent commissions and public bodies must ensure only qualified individuals enter public service. He emphasized transparency and fairness in recruitment processes.
Ruto stated that hiring decisions should strictly reflect merit. He said the government will no longer tolerate appointments that ignore competence.
Promotions to Depend on Performance
Ruto also ordered that promotions in the public service be tied to measurable results. He said employees should advance based on output rather than years of service.
He directed the Public Service Commission to implement the new performance-based promotion framework immediately. He said the move will help improve efficiency across government institutions.
The Head of State warned that government employees who fail to meet expectations will face disciplinary action. He added that high performers will receive recognition and rewards.
Ruto said the government will not hesitate to remove non-performers from the system. He stressed that productivity must become a core value in public service.
Push for Digital Transformation and Skills Upgrade
Ruto urged public servants to embrace technology and continuous learning. He said government institutions must invest in digital systems and modern skills to improve service delivery.
He encouraged workers to pursue upskilling and reskilling, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes global workplaces. He said adaptability will be key for future public service roles.
The President also called on county governments to adopt similar productivity reforms. He urged them to benchmark performance and improve efficiency through competition.
His remarks come shortly after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission announced plans to introduce performance-based pay. The proposal seeks to link a portion of public servants’ salaries to results, drawing inspiration from international models such as Singapore.
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