By Pascal Ndegwa - Reporter
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Kenya, November 03, 2026 - Public Service Commission Chairperson Francis Meja has told heads of state agencies and public universities to stop handling staff discipline poorly. He said the growing number of appeals reaching the Commission shows many institutions are not following the rules.
Meja spoke on Monday at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa. He was opening a workshop for leaders of state corporations and public universities. The meeting focused on how to manage staff discipline correctly.
He said more and more workers are appealing against decisions made by their own organisations. This, he warned, is a clear sign that boards, councils and technical officers are not doing careful work. When they follow the proper steps, fewer cases end up at the Commission or in court.
Meja pointed to real costs. When an appeal succeeds and the matter later goes to court, the government can lose money. The officers who handled the case badly can also face personal trouble. At the same time, unfair treatment leaves staff angry and less willing to work hard. The quality of services that Kenyans receive then suffers.
He told the leaders that proper handling of discipline is better for everyone. It protects the institution, protects the individual officer, and keeps public services running smoothly.
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The workshop brought together chairpersons, chief executives, university council members and vice-chancellors. Other PSC officials present included commissioners Joan Machayo and Boya Molu, Commission Secretary Paul Famba, and legal services deputy Jacqueline Manani.
Meja’s message was direct. The rules on how to discipline staff already exist. The problem is that too many institutions are not using them carefully. The rising pile of appeals is the evidence.
What happens next will show whether the warning is taken seriously. If the number of appeals starts to fall, it will mean agencies are tightening their processes. If the appeals keep rising, the problem will remain clear for all to see.