Africa-Press – Kenya. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has unveiled plans to introduce a far-reaching parliamentary reform aimed at overhauling Kenya’s public service through the enforcement of strict, performance-based employment contracts.
In a statement, Jhanda said the proposal, which he plans to table after the current parliamentary recess, seeks to fundamentally change how government employees are hired, retained and evaluated.
Under the proposed framework, all public servants would be placed on fixed-term contracts ranging from one to four years, with renewals strictly pegged to measurable performance and service delivery outcomes.
The legislator argued that the reform is necessary to dismantle what he described as a long-standing culture of complacency and indefinite tenure within the public service.
According to Jhanda, some officers have remained in government positions for years without clear contractual terms, performance benchmarks or meaningful accountability.
“This reform will end complacency and indefinite tenure without results,” Jhanda said, adding that the move is intended to modernise government operations and improve efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.
He noted that officers who have overstayed in their positions or served without formal contracts would be subjected to vetting and required to competitively reapply for their jobs.
At the heart of the proposal is the issue of youth inclusion.
Jhanda observed that with more than 70 per cent of Kenya’s population made up of young people, failure to deliberately open up public service opportunities presents a serious socio-economic risk.
He said a contract-based system would help create regular openings for qualified young professionals, inject fresh ideas and energy into government, and better align public service with the realities of a youthful nation.
The MP framed the proposal as being in line with President William Ruto’s broader governance agenda, saying it complements the Head of State’s push for an efficient, accountable and results-driven public sector.
He argued that performance-based contracts would not only enhance service delivery but also restore public confidence in government institutions.
If adopted, the proposal is expected to generate intense debate within political, labour and public service circles.
Critics are likely to raise concerns around job security, institutional memory and labour rights, while supporters may view it as a bold step toward reforming a bloated and costly public sector.
Jhanda, however, maintains that the long-term gains, improved accountability, better performance and expanded employment opportunities for the youth,far outweigh the discomfort that may accompany the transition.
The initiative comes amid growing national conversations on unemployment, public sector reform and the sustainability of Kenya’s wage bill, with increasing pressure on policymakers to deliver practical solutions for the country’s rapidly expanding youth population.
