Treasury extends hiring freeze until 2028, dims hopes for public sector jobs

The national Treasury has extended the public sector hiring freeze for another three financial years, dwindling left hopes for public sector jobs.

This move locks out thousands of job seekers from government employment until at least 2028. According to the Treasury, the move is part of the government’s effort to contain public wage bill, which officials warn must remain within sustainable limits.

The freeze was first introduced in 2021 and will continue to restrict ministries, departments, and agencies from recruiting new staff.

Only replacement, those filling vacancies left by retirement, death, or disciplinary issues will be permitted, and even these cases must be budget-friendly and approved by the Treasury.

In a circular dated August 8, signed by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, outlined the new guidelines, stating that the government is taking firm stance on personnel spending.

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“Recruitment for new positions remains suspended. Only attrition-based replacements will be considered, and they must not increase the wage bill,” Mbadi stated.

The directive also halts staff promotions and blocks any budget allocations for additional personnel unless cleared by the Treasury. Also any proposed changes to pay structures or benefits must be vetted by both the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Treasury before funding is approved.

Mbadi emphasized that the public wage bill must not exceed 35 percent of total revenue, and directed that all personnel-related expenditures should be recorded in the Integrated Personnel payroll Data (IPPD) system.

“We must maintain discipline in how we manage human resource costs,” Mbadi stated.

Government entities have been instructed to submit detailed estimates of their staffing expenses, including headcounts, salary rates, and recruitment costs.

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The submissions must align with guidelines from SRC and be endorsed by oversight bodies such as the Public Service Commission, Teachers’ Service Commission,  Judiciary Service Commission, National Police Service Commission, and Parliamentary Service Commission.

Even in critical sectors like education, health, and security, the Treasury has imposed strict conditions. Requests for new positions must be backed by clear service delivery needs and must include a full breakdown of financial implications within the budget framework.

Graduates and young professionals have been hard hit by the extension of the hiring freeze as many had hoped for opportunities in the public service. With no new positions opening up, the directive effectively closes the door on fresh entrants in the foreseeable future.

By  Enock Masaki

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