Shockwaves in Kenyan Civil Service: Government Orders Master’s Degrees or Exit Within Two Years

A storm is brewing in Kenya’s public sector following a bold and unexpected directive by the Public Service Commission (PSC): senior civil servants must obtain a Master’s degree within two years, or vacate their positions. 

This sweeping reform, detailed in a PSC memo dated May 13, 2025, has sent tremors through ministries, parastatals, and uniformed services such as the police, Kenya Wildlife Service, and National Youth Service. The policy targets officers graded at CSG 5 and above, positions including directors, secretaries, principal secretaries, and other top-tier administrative roles. 

Historically, promotions to senior roles were based on experience, institutional knowledge, and proven job performance. But under the new rules, academic qualifications are taking precedence. The memo, signed by PSC CEO Paul Famba, stresses that obtaining a Master’s degree is now non-negotiable for senior leadership roles. 

“In view of the foregoing, the commission guides that all mandatory in-service programs for serving officers be observed… a master’s degree will remain a requirement,” Famba stated. 

The move aligns with Cabinet resolutions from a January 21, 2025 meeting, which endorsed the reintroduction of structured training and professional development programs that had been largely dormant since 2020. 

Public servants now face a daunting two-year deadline to fulfill this academic mandate. For many, particularly those in their late 40s and 50s, balancing full-time work with demanding postgraduate studies will be a herculean task. 

Master’s programs in Kenya cost upwards of Ksh2 million, especially in reputable public universities, and even more in private institutions. Making matters worse, the recently unveiled 2025/2026 budget shows deep cuts in public sector training allocations, leaving many employees to shoulder the cost of upskilling on their own. 

According to the PSC, the directive comes as part of efforts to close a “widening skills gap” at senior levels of government, which has reportedly hampered service delivery. The memo also blames the suspension of in-service training in past years for exacerbating competency issues. 

To counter this, the PSC is reviving key training programs including: Strategic Leadership Development Programme (SLDP), Senior Management Course (SMC), Supervisory Skills Development Course (SSDC) 

These are aimed at sharpening leadership and administrative capacity across the civil service. 

Notably, the directive could create tension in high offices. Sources indicate that numerous political appointees, including those in the offices of the President and Deputy President, lack the academic qualifications now required under this policy. Their status remains uncertain and could set the stage for political friction.