The Public Service Commission (PSC) is urging the government to provide an extra Sh3.3 billion as it faces a looming workforce shortage, with more than half of its employees expected to retire within five years.
The commission says the funding is vital to fill staff vacancies and strengthen its oversight of over 585 ministries, departments, and agencies.
Outgoing PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri, in his exit report, warned that limited funding, which has averaged just 46 per cent of the commission’s actual needs, continues to hinder its operations.
He noted that inadequate resources have affected staffing levels, slowed programme implementation, and weakened efforts to build capacity.
“For instance, in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the commission had a staffing gap of 217 employees, operating with only 274 staff, representing 56 per cent of its approved establishment. Although the current financial year shows a reduced gap of 138 employees, without adequate budgets for new recruitments, this gap is unlikely to improve and will continue to impact performance and service delivery,” Muchiri said.
Despite receiving more funds from the treasury over the years, PSC remains heavily underfunded. In 2023/24, it faced a deficit of Sh1.94 billion, equal to 35 per cent of its required resources. This year, the commission has been allocated Sh3.62 billion, leaving a shortfall of Sh3.14 billion.
The report also raised concern over the growing number of legal cases that drain both funds and staff time. In 2023/24 alone, 122 new cases were filed against PSC challenging its recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary decisions, delaying core operations.
To address these issues, Muchiri recommended Parliament gradually increase PSC’s budget by 50 per cent over the next two years, which would amount to about Sh980 million annually.
He stressed the need for resources to modernise ICT systems, boost digital services, strengthen cybersecurity, and support data-driven decisions.
Additionally, PSC needs Sh50 million per year to rent additional office space for staff currently working in crowded offices. In the long term, the commission intends to seek Sh800 million for a development budget to construct a new office block at Harambee House.
