Government servants will smile all the way to the bank at the end of January 2023 if a promise by the newly sworn-in Public Service CS, Aisha Jumwa, is actualised.
On Monday, October 31, Jumwa vowed to increase the salaries of all civil servants within 100 days after she assumed office.
She explained that her decision was informed by the demoralisation felt across government departments.
“Civil servants are a demoralised lot, and we don’t want to see them suffering. They cannot cope with the high cost of living occasioned by runaway inflation.
"As Kenya Kwanza government, we want to revamp their morale by increasing their salaries as soon as possible," explained Jumwa.
She further added that a committee was set to be convened to address the strategy the President William Ruto-led Government would explore in increasing the pay.
Likening the experience of her own struggles growing up in a poverty-ridden childhood, the CS explained that many of the workers struggled with basic needs such as paying school fees and rent on their current pay.
“I am a leader and a mother too. I know a majority of public servants are grappling to pay school fees for their children, pay rent and fend for their families.
"It’s a sad state of affairs but I have come to solve the problem so that they can live a dignified life," she added.
During her tour, the CS further promised to extend the working hours of Huduma Centers, arguing that the service was crucial to many Kenyans.
If successful, Huduma Centers doors will stay open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm from the current nine-hour working days of between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Workers will be hired to offer their services in shifts.
Jumwa was sworn in as the CS for Gender and Public Service on Thursday, October 27, effectively placing her in charge of the Public Service Commission - the state's biggest employer.
