Coming soon, an App to monitor civil service productivity

The move, if implemented successfully, will revolutionise the lethargy that has characterised the public service for many years.

But even as the government plans the roll-out, it will not be the first time such a drastic move has been mooted by the ministry in order to address the laziness and the thorny issue of ghost workers in the public service.

During his tenure at the ministry in February last year, Moses Kuria announced biometric registration of all public servants to rid the government of ghost workers.

The result of the exercise, if indeed it took place or its implementation status, is yet to be made public.

“As we accelerate our prayers to exorcise ghosts, the Ministry of Public Service will embark on biometric registration of all the 900,000 of us who are paid by the taxpayers, including those in the counties,” Mr Kuria said then.

Occupying the same office in 2023, Mr Kuria also warned lazy civil servants, saying they have no place in government.

“Civil servants, you know me. You know that I don’t joke around. The thing is, we want people who are dedicated to serving Kenyans,” Mr Kuria said.

This means that Mr Ruku has an uphill task in ensuring his initiative will take off and results are made public in order to end the lethargic culture in the public service.

While making the announcement of the App, Mr Ruku said the move will help in tracking key metrics such as arrival and departure times, leave status, and real-time attendance. It aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency across all government offices.

Mr Ruku said the initiative is part of a wider reform agenda targeting discipline and improved service delivery in the public sector.

“We must raise our standards in order to serve the people better,” Ruku said. “Lateness and laxity will no longer be tolerated in government offices.” Mr Ruku said.

According to the CS, the move will have a direct impact and help the government in improving the performance of the public servants, noting that such practices are common in the private sector.

“Any delay in implementation of the app will have direct consequences on the economic performance of this country,” Mr Ruku said.

Mr Ruku urged all civil servants to strictly adhere to the Human Resource Procedures and Manual of 2016, which outlines expected standards of professionalism, ethics, and performance.

He warned that the government will take a tougher stance on lax attitudes that compromise service delivery.

“We cannot demand respect from the citizens we serve if we are not disciplined ourselves,” he remarked.

During his interview with the Nation in his 100 days in office, Mr Ruku said in his interaction with civil servants, he has always reminded them to be in office on time and serve the people.

“I have reminded the civil servants that they need to be in office on time and offer services to the people because that is what they are paid to do and what the constitution also demands from them,” Mr Ruku said.

During his vetting in March this year, Mr Ruku promised to create a better working environment for the public servants and serve all Kenyans equally.

“I will serve the Republic of Kenya without fear or favour. On the issues of employment, the face of Kenya must be seen as per Article 232 of our Constitution. I will create an enabling environment for employment and even business,” Ruku said.

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