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Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has weighed on the Cabinet Secretaries (CS) and Principal Secretaries (PS) constant signing of performance contracts.

In the statement via X account on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Amisi said that by signing numerous short-term performance contracts, President William Ruto’s administration is undermining production in the public sector by putting CSs and PSs in constant fear of losing their jobs.

In addition, Amisi said that some CSs and PSs might be tempted to embezzle public funds since their tomorrow is not guaranteed.

“Putting principal secretaries and cabinet secretaries under constant fear of losing their jobs undermines performance in the public sector. They may resort to the “Take what you can because tomorrow is not guaranteed” mentality,” he said.

The vocal parliamentarian suggested that the Head of State should put them under a two-year contract with a renewable subject to performance rather than signing numerous short-term performance contracts.

“Put them under a contract of 2 years renewable subject to performance!” he suggested.

Putting principal secretaries and cabinet secretaries under constant fear of losing their jobs undermines performance in the public sector. They may resort to "Take what you can, because tomorrow is not guaranteed" mentality . Put them under a contract of 2 years renewable…

— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) November 20, 2024

Ruto and Kindiki on performance contract

On November 19, Ruto explained that the contract signing by his CSs was key because it has proven to be a robust accountability.

“One ministry affects the overall performance of government. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to make sure that using the whole-of-government approach we endure, we build the necessary synergy to succeed together,”

“Over the years, performance contracting has proven to be a robust accountability framework ensuring the effective use of public resources to meet the constitutional mandate and citizens’ expectations,” he stated.

On his part, Kindiki said that the signing of performance contracts is a key mechanism in delivering services to the people.

“Our Constitution creates an elaborate mechanism for accountability for all people delegated with authority to work for the people of Kenya. To deliver on the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, we must build coherence among all the arms and institutions of government.

“We are expected to ensure that all the commitments made and outlined in the performance contracts are fulfilled. Accountability demands channels of reporting back on what each ministry, state agency, or constitutional commission sets out to deliver and what is achieved,” Kindiki said in a statement posted on X.