𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
The National Assembly Committee on Labour, chaired by Hon. Erick Muchangi Karemba met with the Embakasi Central MP, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru Mejjadonk, sponsor of Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Youth are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of the Public Service (Amendment) Bill, as it seeks to curb the extension of years to civil servants past mandatory retirement age. Retirement age for civil servants was increased in 2009 from 55 to 60 years.
The Bill intends to amend the Public Service Act to prescribe the mandatory retirement age of sixty.
According to the sponsor of the legislation, Hon. Benjamin Gathiru, the amendments are meant to increase vacancies of Kenyan Citizens below the age of sixty years and to compel civil servants to retire upon attaining their retirement age of 60 years.
Lawmakers’ agreed that this would end recycling and engaging of retired officers at both National and County on contract basis on grounds they offer special skills. The amendment also calls for timely filling of vacant position and successive filling.
Members of the Committee unanimously supported the Embakasi Central MP on the Bill stating that Parliament owes the youth of this country by ensuring that we create employment and not deny them the very opportunities.
“Our youth are languishing in poverty due to lack of employment and are vulnerable to all sort of trickery and exploitation yet we are rewarding retired officers in plum positions. This amendment couldn’t have come at a better time.” says Hon. Catherine Wambilianga, Bungoma County MP.