Kenyan Government to Launch App That Monitors Civil Servants

The Kenyan government is preparing to launch a digital platform designed to monitor the performance of civil servants. 

The platform, set to go live by the end of October, aims to address persistent issues such as absenteeism and poor service delivery across government offices. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the initiative during an impromptu inspection of government offices in Embu Town. 

He described the digital tool as a “game changer” that will introduce real-time tracking of key performance metrics, including staff attendance, punctuality, and leave records. According to Ruku, the system is part of a broader effort to instill accountability and discipline in public service.

"This is not just about adopting new technology—it’s about changing the work culture in government," he said, emphasising that public servants must be present and responsive to the needs of the citizens they are employed to serve.

The surprise inspection revealed mixed levels of performance. While offices such as the Huduma Centre and Immigration Department were praised for their punctuality and efficiency, others, particularly the Lands office, were singled out for poor attendance. 

Ruku expressed disappointment at the state of service in the Lands office and warned that disciplinary action would be stepped up to ensure full compliance with the Human Resource Procedures and Manual of 2016. The government’s push for better oversight is driven in part by the negative impact of slow and inefficient public services on the private sector. 

Delays in essential services can hold back business operations, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, and ultimately hinder economic growth. Ruku also urged the public to collect thousands of processed passports and national identity cards that remain unclaimed in government offices. He stressed that active citizen participation is vital to improving the effectiveness of public services.