Felix Koskei Changes Rules On Workers Swapping Leave Days For Money
Speaking on Thursday, September 21 at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Koskei highlighted instances of some staff having leave days that have accumulated up to two years.
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The Head of Public Service and State House Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, has stopped public service workers from exchanging leave days for money.
Speaking on Thursday, September 21 at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Koskei highlighted instances of some staff having leave days that have accumulated up to two years.
He also wondered how some staff decided against going on leave from their jobs yet President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi have instances where they can go on leave.
Francis Atwoli with President William Ruto at State House on December 1, 2022. /TWITTER.FRANCIS ATWOLI
As a result, Koskei directed the staff to only carry forward 15 days by June 2024, sparing the government and Kenyans paying taxes, millions of shillings.
"If you told some people to go for leave now, they can go for two years, others for six months, why are you sticking in that office? The president goes on leave, his deputy goes on leave, Prime CS goes on leave, what is this that you don't want to happen while you're away in the office?" he posed.
"So we have decided that by the end of this financial year on June 30, 2024, the only number of leave days carried forward is 15. Secondly, there is no commutation of the leave days for money so start going on leave today. If you have to go for two years, just go."
Koskei warned that the government would not entertain workers afraid to leave their duties in the hands of others while away, terming this as an excuse for corruption.
"You can't commute your days into money, we cannot pay for corruption or inefficiency or people who want to hoard their positions," he directed.
He also advised those in their current positions to teach the upcoming ones in their field the nitty-gritty of the operations in their positions as they will one day cede them to their successors. This includes Principal Secretaries (PS).
"Let us mentor others to take over after us by bringing them up, giving them a chance to even act for 20 days, and by so doing you will see they are capable.
"So, Principal Secretaries and chairmen, please go and call for all leave balances and let everyone give a plan by June 30, 2024," he ordered.
The Employment Act of 2007 stipulates that every worker is entitled to at least 21 days of paid leave per 12 months of employment.
The law allows an employee to divide the annual leave at different intervals during the year.
The law also states that unless a written agreement between the employer and employee, the first part of the leave shall consist of at least two uninterrupted working weeks, paid in full.
"Where in a contract of service an employee is entitled to leave days in excess of the minimum 21 days, the employer and the employee may agree on how to utilize the leave days," reads part of the Act.
Using your annual leave allows you to take a well-needed break from the stresses and demands of working life.
Disconnecting yourself from meetings, deadlines, and other stressful situations can rejuvenate your mind, meaning you are in a healthier state when you return to work.
A woman working on her laptop in an office. /SMALL REVOLUTION
