Raila lays down law on job contracts

A total of 13 ministries were on Friday locked out of signing performance contracts after their ministers failed to attend the ceremony.

The absentee ministers were Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka (Home Affairs), John Michuki (Environment), Noah Wekesa (Forestry and Wildlife), Mutula Kilonzo (Justice), Esther Murugi (Special Programmes), Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), Najib Balala (Tourism), Chirau Mwakwere (Trade), Charity Ngilu (Water), Mohamed Elmi (Northern Kenya), Samuel Poghisio (Information), Amos Kimunya (Transport) and Sally Kosgei (Agriculture).

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was chief guest at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre event, directed that only those whose ministers and permanent secretaries were there could sign the contracts.

“I am unhappy because less than half the ministers are here yet performance contracts are only signed once a year,” he said. Soon after the directive, a number of ministers trooped into the venue.

Medical Services permanent secretary Mary Ngari was allowed to sign on behalf of minister Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is unwell.

Internal Security PS Francis Kimemia was also allowed to sign as minister George Saitoti’s apology was accepted. Mr Odinga challenged others to follow the example of the Planning ministry which has become ISO certified and set a standard which the government could use to measure their performance.

He criticised the Kenya National Union of Teachers for demanding a pay rise every year “but cannot discriminate against non-performing teachers”.

“We must find a way of separating merit from those who deserve sanction. Some teachers are drunkards or engage in private business. We should discriminate and honour merit,” Mr Odinga said.

He said the Judiciary and Parliament had agreed to adopt the performance contracting system “taking cognisance of separation of powers.”

The Judiciary had earlier resisted the system, saying this would allow the Executive to interfere with its independence.