Nairobi: Kenya Power has launched performance management contracts targeting more than 6,000 union employees, a move that will strengthen accountability, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery to customers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the historic move comes after more than two decades of negotiations between the management and union employees under their umbrella, the Kenya Electrical Traders and Allied Workers Union (KETAWU). It also places the company among the first government-owned enterprises that have adopted performance contracts for union staff, in line with the aspirations of the Government-Owned Enterprises Act, 2025, which requires commercial state corporations to submit annual business plans and to adopt performance contracts anchored on measurable results.
Kenya Power’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr (Eng.) Joseph Siror, highlighted the importance of the initiative by stating that productivity is about delivering better results through effective use of time, skills, resources, and technology. He emphasized that improvement is not the destination; excellence is, and it will not come from systems alone but from individual commitment to targets, upholding standards, and delivering results.
Consequently, SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony urged other public institutions to follow Kenya Power’s example, stating that onboarding union staff into performance contracts opens a new way to manage performance and instill a culture of productivity in public service. He commended Kenya Power for the bold step and encouraged other public entities to develop performance management frameworks that promote productivity across all staff levels.
Kenya Power’s customer base has grown significantly over the years, from 370,000 customers in 1996 to the current 10.4 million. This expansion comes with the expectation of excellence in service delivery for increased customer satisfaction. Performance contracting will allow the company to monitor staff productivity under one framework.
Meanwhile, Ruth Muiruri, Kenya Power’s Director, spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasizing the strategic significance of the performance management framework beyond compliance. She assured that the Board would continue to guide management and the leadership of KETAWU to ensure smooth implementation of the productivity management framework.
