In a significant move by the Public Service Commission, all government employees are set to undergo mandatory registration with both statutory and professional bodies before assuming roles in state agencies and universities.
This new development is outlined within a comprehensive 20-page guideline dedicated to the development and enhancement of human resource management, revealed by the Public Service Commission.
The guideline, released on Thursday, August 10, underlines that state agencies and universities will mandate statutory registration as an essential prerequisite for civil servants.
Notable statutory bodies in the country include the Engineers Board of Kenya, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), among several others.
Under the new mandate, prospective job seekers aspiring for positions within the government are obliged to formally register with pertinent statutory and professional bodies linked to their respective fields of study before initiating the application process.
This shift means that, alongside existing requirements such as HELB and EACC clearance certificates, graduates will now be compelled to allocate additional resources for covering registration and annual renewal fees associated with these statutory bodies.
‘Precise’ job descriptions
The PSC also introduced other noteworthy amendments to the guideline, most prominently the necessity for precise and succinct job descriptions to be incorporated into all employment contracts.
Vital skills, competencies, aptitudes, attitudes, and key proficiencies aligned with the established competency framework will be comprehensively outlined for all employees.
The guidelines state, “When devising Career Guidelines, State Corporations are to ensure the inclusion of essential academic and professional qualifications, work experience, and performance standards.”
Furthermore, for progression to higher job grades, all officers must possess the stipulated minimum qualifications and experience mandated for promotion to the designated grade.
Human resource manuals
The PSC has additionally directed state agencies to formulate human resource manuals encompassing the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers within the context of their working relationship.
These manuals will encompass comprehensive information regarding salaries, allowances, terminal benefits, and other pertinent details.
Crucially, the development of these manuals will take place in consultation with employees, trade unions, employee representatives, and respective boards.
The PSC emphasized, “The Commission shall review and approve the Human Resource Management Instruments with a provision for any additional comments or concerns to be submitted within 60 days from the date of the decision.”
