Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Performance Management, Geoffrey Ruku, has announced plans to transition civil servants from permanent and pensionable employment terms.

Speaking during the official launch of the PSC Strategic Plan 2025-2029 on February 26, Ruku said the move would explore contractual employment for public servants as part of a broader public service transformation policy.

“It’s public service transformation policy, which I will be doing a presentation to the cabinet committee next week, and later I will do a presentation to the full cabinet within the month of March. I think it’s high time as a ministry, as a government, we see whether we can have employees or public servants on contractual basis,” Ruku said.

The proposal, expected to be presented to the Cabinet Committee next week and later to the full Cabinet in March, would see employees engaged on fixed-term contracts of three to five years, renewable based on performance.

Ruku warned that those failing to meet contractual obligations would be required to seek employment elsewhere.

CS Ruku said that public servants should align with the government’s five-year mandate given by the people of Kenya, drawing a parallel between elected officials and civil servants in terms of accountability and performance.

He drew attention to the demographic realities of Kenya, where the average age is 22 years, and called for a more agile and innovative public service capable of delivering services that meet the expectations of a young population.

The focus will be on digital transformation, ensuring that government services are accessible remotely through phones, tablets, and other devices.

Ruku stressed that the initiative aims to create a unified and efficient digital government that responds to the needs of all Kenyans, particularly the youth, while enhancing accountability and performance across the public service.

The CS has been cracking the whip against government employees who report late and against Human Resource managers who have manipulated the government’s payroll systems.

In January, the Cabinet Secretary ordered a lockout of the Kisumu County government after officials reported late to work during an impromptu visit.

Later, he directed human resource managers across government offices to take action against officers who report late, abscond from duty, or fail to serve the public as required.

He also ordered strict enforcement of attendance regulations and conduct standards within the public service.

In October 2025, Ruku warned civil servants involved in fraudulent activities, stating that anyone found guilty would face immediate dismissal and prosecution.

The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that a recent audit of the public service’s human resource systems had uncovered widespread malpractice, collusion, and systemic abuse aimed at diverting public funds.

The audit report revealed that some HR officers had illegally altered the birth dates of public servants in government databases, allowing them to remain in service beyond the mandatory retirement age.

Ruku also revealed that human resources personnel have been facilitating illegal tax exemptions for select individuals, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has sent a public warning to tourists and tour operators on the disturbed tracks of access in the Tsavo East National Park due to continued high rainfall that has made major parts of the park impassable.

Taking it to their social media handle on Friday, February 27, 2026, KWS gave a notice to visitors that the Malindi-Sala Gate route connecting the coastal town of Malindi to the park is not open now because of flooding and poor road conditions.

It has also impacted the Sala Gate-Aruba Area route that links some of the popular areas in the park where wildlife can be seen. The agency was alarmed that the excessive downpours had greatly worsened the road conditions, making driving unsafe and exposing vehicles to the danger of being trapped or stalled.

“Tsavo East National Park Visitors and Tour Operators are advised that the following access routes are currently impassable due to ongoing heavy rainfall: 1. Malindi – Sala Gate 2. Sala Gate – Aruba Area,” the KWS statement read in part.

KWS also stressed that the safety of its visitors was its highest priority, and tourists should follow the temporary restrictions. In order to secure further access, KWS recommended that visitors be able to enter via different gates, such as the Bachuma gate and the Voi gate, which is accessible via the town of Voi.

According to KWS, these are the routes that are safe and always open, which allow the entry of the park and operations of tourism to proceed regardless of the disruptions.

This is one of the warnings given amidst increased rainfall in some regions of Kenya that has impacted transport facilities and movements in the national parks and other conservation areas.

KWS further said that wildlife drives, conservation patrols and tourism activities in Tsavo East National Park, which is one of the largest and most iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the country, depend on the accessibility of road networks.

Tour operators have been encouraged to design their itineraries well and keep updated by making use of official KWS communication channels. Visitors have been advised to consult authorities before travelling to parks so as not to be inconvenienced and to be safe.

KWS assured citizens that it is keeping a close eye on the situation and it is doing everything it can to allow normal access to the situation once weather conditions are normalised.

The unit further noted that more updates will be given once the road conditions stabilise. Nevertheless, KWS also reiterated its dedication to protecting both the wildlife and the visitors, and it will also promote more conservation efforts in the rainy season.

Easy Coach’s founding director and former Managing Director, Azym Dossa, is dead.

Dossa, leadership has been hailed as one that helped shape the company into one of Kenya’s leading passenger transport service providers.

In a statement on Thursday, Easy Coach described Mr Dossa’s passing as a great loss to the company and the wider business community, remembering him as a visionary leader whose dedication and strategic direction shaped the company during its formative years.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sad demise of Mr Azym Dossa, founding director and former Managing Director of Easy Coach,” the company said.

Mr Dossa was credited with playing a key role in building the company’s operational and service standards, helping establish its reputation for reliability and customer-focused transport solutions.

“Mr Dossa’s vision, leadership, and dedication shaped Easy Coach from its earliest days and left a lasting legacy that will always be part of who we are as a company,” the statement added.

The company extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, wishing them strength and comfort during the difficult period of mourning.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May Allah grant him eternal peace and give strength and patience to all who mourn his loss. Ameen,” the statement read.

Industry players and business leaders also paid tribute to Mr Dossa, recognising his contribution to Kenya’s public transport sector and his role in promoting modernised intercity travel services.

His passing has been widely described as the end of an era, with many remembering him as a pioneer who helped transform passenger transport services in the country.

Dossa, death comes after retiring from active management, ending a 20-year run at the helm of the bus company.

He had cited health challenges and age as the reasons behind his exit from the corner office at the company’s main offices located at Railways go-down, along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi.

“This has not been an easy decision. However, given my recent health challenges associated with advanced age, I am of the opinion that this is the right time for me to step down. The directors and shareholders of the company have kindly acceded to my request,” Dossa says in a past memo to staff, seen by the Star.

“While I am stepping down from the executive, I will remain closely connected to East Coach and will continue to offer my guidance and support to the company,” he added.

Dossa’s history in the country’s bus transport industry dates back to the days of the collapsed Akamba Bus where he once served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

He started the company with an initial fleet of seven buses operating a single route between Nairobi and Kisumu, both day and night services, with a standby bus to ensure a seamless rotation for regular maintenance and potential rescues when needed.

Today, the company’s fleet has more than doubled from that number, with Easy Coach currently considered one of the biggest bus companies in Kenya with over 35 destinations.

One of Dossa’s challenging period was during the Covid-19 pandemic, which took a toll on the company’s operations and the entire transport industry at large.

“Our profits diminished drastically, and our reserves were significantly depleted during this challenging period. However, it was important for us to make strategic decisions that ensured our business’s survival while also taking care of our employees,” he noted during a past interview.