On May 1, the Public Service Commission (PSC) implemented new rules requiring mandatory interviews for civil servants seeking to switch careers within the civil service.
The change aims to address challenges in determining the suitability of some officers for new career paths. Previously, civil servants were re-designated to jobs upon application without interviews.
According to PSC chief executive Simon Rotich, the commission has received numerous requests for re-designation, but determining suitability has been a challenge. 'Re-designation will not be automatic but subject to suitability testing for employees moving from one cadre to another,' Rotich said in a circular.
Interested civil servants will be required to apply to designated officers for vetting of academic and professional qualifications. A verification report will then be sent to the line ministry for approval and interviews.
The suitability of re-designation will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the authorized establishment in the entire civil service. Interviews will be conducted at least quarterly both at the line ministry or state department and at the commission.
