The government is set to retire 43,976 public servants aged 55 and above by 2029 following President William Ruto’s directive disallowing contract extensions.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed on Thursday that the proposal is underway.
Mwaura said the decision is part of broader government efforts to streamline public service and manage the nation’s financial burden under planned austerity measures.
He said data from the June 2024 payroll alone had picked 39,360 public servants due for retirement under the presidential directive.
Further, he emphasized that this decision is part of President Ruto’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by Gen Z protestors, who have been vocal about the need for reforms in public service.
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“Arising from the happenings in July, part of the feedback from the Gen Z’s included a requirement of public servants attaining 60 years to [be] released for retirement,” Mwaura noted.
In the short term, Mwaura said 7,000 public servants will retire before the end of the financial year.
Mwaura noted that this move would create opportunities for jobless youth, including the absorption of interns into various government agencies.
The decision follows a directive issued by President Ruto on July 5 in the wake of widespread Gen Z demonstrations.
The President had called for public servants who have reached the retirement age of 60 to proceed to retirement, citing the need to reduce costs following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
