Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Affirmative Action and Gender, Aisha Jumwa, has promised to look after the welfare of Kenya public service workforce to boost their morale thus increase productivity.
In this regard, Jumwa said a technical committee will be formed to review the salaries of all civil servants.
“Civil servants are the most demoralized lot and with the high cost of living caused by the ongoing inflation in the country, they are unable to cope. They also need to be motivated so that they can serve Kenyans better, we are going to review their pay as a first step towards this journey,” said Jumwa.
The CS noted that there are at least 900,000 workers serving 50 million Kenyans which make their work heavy hence the need to motivate them.
The CS was speaking during a visit to Kenya School of Government (KSG) Mombasa campus where she addressed some public officers from Huduma Kenya Secretariat undergoing induction.
Jumwa said in a bid to ensure members of the public get services faster and efficiently, the Huduma Kenya Programme will be extended to work from 7am to 7pm in the evening and Huduma Contact Center from 7am to 9pm.
“I have come to officiate a programme and induction course for the 41 Huduma newly appointed staff and get to know if they are prepared for the work ahead. Staff will work in shifts in order to serve the public. We are also going to decentralize these services to the grassroots level for everyone to easily access them,” she added.
She lauded the Huduma Kenya secretariat saying it has done a tremendous job in terms of providing government services to members of the public.
Jumwa said that the government is working with Members of Parliament towards increasing the number of Huduma Centers in the country.
Jumwa who assumed office this week said that she is on a mission to familiarize herself with the Kenya School of Government (KSG) management, Mombasa Campus, the Mombasa County Commissioner and his staff, and county’s security team among other government officials in the area.
The CS also inspected the newly constructed KSG building that will be opened officially by President William Ruto in a date yet to be communicated.
“I will not be a CS who just sits in office but I will make sure that I visit the common Kenyan at the village and see if they get the services they deserve,” said Jumwa.
By Chari Suche and Brenda Webbo