New Policy: The Interior Ministry to Conduct Biannual Staff Evaluations

The Ministry of Interior has introduced a mandatory biannual performance review for its staff to enhance efficiency across the department.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 11, the Ministry announced that the evaluations would encompass all its departments. Supervisors have been tasked with assessing the performance of their team members and providing necessary support to help them meet their responsibilities effectively.

“Supervisors must actively evaluate the performance of their staff and offer appropriate guidance to ensure they deliver on their job responsibilities,” the statement read.

On the same day, Heads of Departments (HoDs) from the State Department for Internal and National Administration signed third-level performance contracts with Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

Context of the Directive

These performance contracts are a core component of the Fourth Medium Term Plan under Kenya Vision 2030, covering the years 2023 to 2027.

Although the Ministry did not explicitly outline the reasons for the new directive, it is speculated that the decision was influenced by a need to restore its reputation. Earlier this year, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) released a report identifying the Interior Ministry as the most corruption-prone government entity. According to the National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2023, 47.1% of respondents flagged the Ministry as the most graft-prone, with the Ministry of Health following at 13.2%.

Alignment with Broader Evaluations

The directive aligns with the ongoing Annual Performance Evaluation for the 2023/24 Financial Year. This two-month exercise, managed by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo for Performance and Delivery Management, began on Monday, December 9.

The Ministry of Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development was among the first to participate, with Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome highlighting challenges her docket faced during the financial year that affected optimal performance.

Owalo has assured all Ministries, State Departments, and Agencies that the evaluation will be conducted transparently, with the top performers set to receive recognition.