PSC proposes new career progression pathways for civil servants
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is developing a new Career Management Policy that could change how civil servants progress in their careers, with the proposed framework introducing more flexible pathways for professional growth. The policy seeks to move career progression in the public service beyond the traditional route of moving upwards through management positions. Under […]
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is crafting a new Career Management Policy that could transform career progression for civil servants, introducing more flexible pathways beyond traditional management routes. At a stakeholder feedback consolidation workshop held on August 28, 2026, the PSC unveiled a framework allowing public officers to advance vertically, horizontally, or diagonally based on their skills, competencies, experience, and career aspirations.
The policy aims to streamline career management by linking development to performance, competencies, and other human resource practices. Practical applications include vertical progression to higher grades, horizontal movement across similar-level roles or functions, and diagonal progression to higher levels while shifting to different roles.
This framework would grant public officers broader career mobility within the service, including dual paths for technical and professional cadres, enabling specialist and expert advancements without management roles. PSC Chairperson Francis Meja emphasized that the policy will align career management with other human resource practices, enhancing employee development across institutions.
The framework also prioritizes resources for career management, introduces coaching and mentorship, and ties career development to competencies and performance, rather than solely length of service or management positions. The PSC is currently reviewing stakeholder feedback collected between June 10 and July 13, 2026, urging stakeholders to assess the input objectively before finalizing the policy.
The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders, including PSC commissioners, deputy commission secretaries, and senior officials from the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development, to provide input and clarify outstanding issues. Upon adoption, the policy would offer a structured approach to career planning, progression, and employee development for public institutions, significantly impacting civil servants by providing diverse career progression routes, especially for those seeking advancement without transitioning into management.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
