Experts have warned of the potential for increased job redundancy following the government’s decision to merge several parastatals.
Frankline Mukwanja, a governance expert, argues that although this move aims to reduce redundancy, there is a risk of losing the critical roles these parastatals play in service delivery.
He noted, “We want to reduce redundancy, but these parastatals have been and continue to be very important in providing services. How do we ensure this is not lost as we move forward?”
Experts warn of increased job redundancy following recent government decision
Mukwanja emphasized that meaningful reforms require a participatory approach involving all stakeholders, including employees and other concerned parties.
“To achieve these reforms, we need participatory engagement. All stakeholders, including employees and other concerned individuals, will require a well-organized policy debate around this to truly benefit from the structure that the government has just approved,” he stated.
Mukwanja’s analysis follows the government’s decisions made on Tuesday, January 21, to restructure several non-performing government agencies after President William Ruto’s cabinet approved recommendations from the Treasury.
Also Read: State House Explains Future of Staff in Scrapped and Merged Parastatals
Among the parastatals affected by the Cabinet’s decision is the Kenya Water Tower Agency (KWTA), which will be merged with the Kenya Forest Service.
As part of this restructuring, 113 employees will be transferred to two other State Departments within the Ministry of Environment. Specifically, 68 public servants will move to the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, while 45 will be relocated to the State Department of Forestry.
CS Duale assures no employee will lose job after several parastatals merged
Cabinet Secretary for Environment Adan Duale addressed concerns about the potential job losses among the 113 affected employees, affirming that there is no cause for alarm since no employees will lose their jobs. “None of our staff will be jobless,” Duale stated.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed echoed these sentiments, affirming that no functions of State Corporations will be eliminated and that no jobs will be lost, as all affected employees will be integrated into the Public Service.
Also Read: Ruto Merges 42 State Corporations into 20 Entities, Scraps 9 [LIST]
“This aligns with the government’s commitment to streamline operations, minimize waste, and reduce excesses. The aim of these reforms is to address operational and financial inefficiencies, enhance service delivery, and decrease reliance on the Exchequer,” Mohamed said.
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