Mudavadi Pushes for Performance-Based Promotions in Public Service

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has urged the establishment of a robust legal framework to tie public servants' performance evaluations to promotions, career progression, and professional recognition. This move aims to strengthen accountability and productivity in government institutions. Speaking at the National Forum of County Public Service Boards Annual Convention in Kisumu, Mudavadi emphasized the need for performance management in the public service to move beyond routine administrative exercises.

Mudavadi stressed that performance contracts should not be mere formalities but a legal obligation that links performance to the fair promotion of public servants. He argued that without a clear framework, performance contracts risk becoming bureaucratic rituals rather than effective tools for improving service delivery and motivating public servants. The Prime Cabinet Secretary maintained that public service performance assessments should be based on measurable outcomes, objective evaluations, and transparent procedures.

Mudavadi invoked the principle of "Usawa ni Sawa," emphasizing that fairness and equal opportunity must be central to public sector human resource management. He noted that every employee should be given an opportunity to advance based on commitment, competence, and results. A properly structured performance management system, Mudavadi said, would recognize hardworking employees, strengthen institutional accountability, improve staff motivation, and cultivate a results-oriented culture across government.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary challenged County Public Service Boards to strengthen merit-based recruitment and ensure fairness in human resource management. He urged them to create working environments that encourage innovation, nurture talent, and promote professional excellence. Mudavadi's remarks highlighted persistent questions surrounding public sector productivity, including how to objectively measure employee performance and eliminate inconsistencies in promotion processes.

Mudavadi underscored the constitutional responsibility of County Public Service Boards in building professional, accountable, and productive county workforces. He emphasized that the success of devolution should not be judged merely by the establishment of county institutions but by their ability to respond effectively to public needs and improve service delivery at the grassroots. The call highlighted the need for closer collaboration between national and county governments in strengthening public institutions.

The National Forum of County Public Service Boards Annual Convention brings together representatives from all 47 counties and other stakeholders to discuss human resource management, institutional capacity, performance, and productivity in devolved governments. The discussions come at a time when public institutions face growing expectations to demonstrate efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact.

Mudavadi urged stakeholders to approach public service reforms as a shared responsibility, noting that effective institutions depend on competent personnel, strong accountability systems, and a working culture that prioritizes results. His call for performance-based promotions in the public service aims to ensure that public institutions reward competence and improve service delivery.

Key points

• Mudavadi calls for a legal framework linking performance to promotions in public service.
• The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasizes the need for fairness and equal opportunity in public sector human resource management.
• County Public Service Boards are challenged to strengthen merit-based recruitment and create innovative working environments.