A recent audit by the Office of the Auditor General has raised alarms after uncovering that at least 11 county governments in Kenya continue to retain employees aged above the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. The findings have spotlighted systemic non-compliance with public service regulations and sparked concerns over mismanagement and blocked career opportunities for younger professionals.
According to Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, the payroll audit as of June 30, 2024, found 406 individuals still in active service despite surpassing the legal age limit set by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, 2016, backed by a 2009 circular and the 2020 regulations, mandates retirement at 60, with exceptions only for persons with disabilities (up to 65 years) and specific professionals like university lecturers and researchers.
City counties recorded the highest number of overage employees. Mombasa topped the list with 96 staff, followed by Kisumu (79) and Nakuru (77). Bomet (40), Isiolo (29), Nandi (27), and Kilifi (26) were also flagged. In Nandi alone, 27 retirees received salaries totaling Sh11 million. Nationally, 1,423 civil servants remain in service beyond the age limit, most notably in universities (808 cases).
Mombasa was singled out for failing to provide documentation to justify continued employment of flagged staff, including proof of disability or contract extensions. Kisumu offered no explanation at all for the anomaly in its payroll records. In Garissa, the audit concluded that the continued employment of retirees had no justification.
State agencies and ministries have defended the irregular retention of retirees, citing their rare and specialised skills. However, human resources experts argue that institutions should plan better for succession and mentorship to address skills gaps without violating regulations.
The PSC has recommended targeted recruitment of young graduates to refresh the aging public service workforce. Currently, youth aged 19–46 account for 61 percent of public service jobs, with only 28 percent representing those under 35.
The audit underscores a need for strict enforcement of retirement policies and strategic workforce planning to ensure efficiency and fairness in public service.
