By Peace Muthoka.
The Kenyan government has announced that over 43,000 civil servants will retire in the next five years, creating nearly 47,000 job opportunities for young people. This move is part of President William Ruto’s efforts to streamline the government and reduce costs.
Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura shared the news on Thursday, noting that 7,662 civil servants will retire this year alone. He emphasized that this mass retirement will provide many job openings for the youths.
The retirement directive, issued by President Ruto on July 5, mandates that all public servants aged 60 and above must retire immediately. This is aimed at reducing government expenses and ensuring younger people can take up key roles in public service.
According to Public Service Commission data, as of December 2023, there were over 4,500 civil servants aged 60 and above still in service. Additionally, more than 25,000 employees aged between 56 and 60 are expected to retire in the next three years, signaling a major generational shift in Kenya’s public workforce.
Beyond just replacing retiring staff, Dr. Mwaura mentioned that 39,441 government officers on contractual terms will also see their contracts expire soon, further increasing job opportunities for young Kenyans. This move is seen as a crucial step in tackling the high youth unemployment rate in the country.
The government has also launched several initiatives to prepare the youth for these upcoming job opportunities. Under the BETA Plan, programs such as digital training, the establishment of digital hubs, and expanded internet access have been introduced. These efforts aim to equip the younger generation with the skills needed for modern public service roles.
Dr. Mwaura called on Kenyans to be patient and supportive of these changes, stressing that these reforms are essential for building a prosperous and inclusive Kenya, where young people can take a leading role in shaping the nation’s future.
