Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to suspend all new and ongoing staff hiring in anticipation of significant budget cuts. The announcement, made on July 4, comes as the government prepares for tighter fiscal measures to manage the economic challenges facing the country.
In his statement, CS Kuria highlighted the need for prudent management of public resources, emphasizing that the government must adapt to the anticipated budgetary constraints. “Due to the expected budget cuts, it is essential to freeze all new and ongoing hiring processes across government departments and agencies,” he stated.
To address the most urgent staffing needs, CS Kuria announced the formation of a special committee. This committee will be responsible for reviewing and clearing only the most critical staffing requests. “We are establishing a committee to evaluate and prioritize essential staffing needs, ensuring that we maintain the capacity to deliver key public services without compromising our financial stability,” Kuria explained.
The directive to halt hiring aims to control government spending and redirect resources to critical areas. CS Kuria urged all government departments and agencies to comply with the suspension and collaborate with the newly formed committee to ensure a smooth and efficient review process for critical staffing requests.
CS Kuria also stressed the importance of optimizing existing human resources within the public service. “We must maximize the potential of our current workforce and explore innovative ways to enhance productivity and efficiency,” he said.
The suspension of new and ongoing staff hiring is part of a broader effort by the government to manage public finances responsibly. This move is expected to help mitigate the impact of budget cuts while maintaining essential government operations.
In response to the announcement, various stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. Some support the measure as a necessary step towards fiscal discipline, while others express concern about the potential impact on public service delivery and employment opportunities.
Despite these concerns, CS Kuria reassured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring that critical services are not disrupted. “We are taking these measures to safeguard our financial health and ensure that we can continue to provide essential services to the public,” he concluded.
The special committee will begin its work immediately, focusing on assessing and approving only the most urgent and essential staffing needs. This approach aims to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and the effective delivery of public services.
