Contract employees at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have raised concerns over what they describe as an unfair recruitment process, accusing the organization of repeatedly overlooking experienced workers in favor of people allegedly linked to senior managers and members of the Board.
The employees are now calling for transparency, fairness, and accountability as they seek answers about their future.
According to the affected workers, many have served the Kenya Forest Service on contract terms for more than 15 years. They say they have continued working under successive contracts while hoping to eventually secure permanent and pensionable positions. However, they claim that despite their long service and experience, they have been left out whenever recruitment is conducted.
The employees allege that although vacancies are publicly advertised, the hiring process does not always reward merit.
They claim that some positions end up being filled by relatives and associates of senior officials within the organization instead of qualified contract staff who have dedicated many years to KFS.
Their frustration grew following the latest recruitment exercise, where interviews were held for various positions. Many contract employees who applied say they were unsuccessful despite having years of practical experience within the organization.
They argue that some successful applicants had little or no previous experience working at KFS.
The workers say the situation has become even more difficult because many of their contracts have expired without renewal. They claim they have not received clear communication about whether they will return to work or what steps will be taken regarding their employment status.
The uncertainty, they say, has left many families struggling financially, with some employees finding it difficult to pay school fees, meet household expenses, and provide for their loved ones.
The affected employees are now urging the KFS management, the Public Service Commission, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to investigate the recruitment process and ensure it is conducted fairly.
They want employment opportunities to be awarded based on qualifications, experience, and merit rather than personal connections.
In a message shared with the media, the employees appealed for public attention to their concerns, saying they had endured years of what they consider unfair treatment.
They stated, “Hello John. I kindly request that you highlight the plight of contract employees at the Kenya Forest Service. The Kenya Forest Service has two main categories of employees: those on permanent and pensionable terms and those on contract. Unfortunately, contract employees have endured years of unfair treatment despite serving the organization diligently. For many years, we have witnessed vacancies being advertised, only for the positions to be filled by relatives and associates of senior managers and members of the Board, leaving long-serving and qualified contract employees overlooked. Most recently, interviews were conducted for various positions, yet once again, the majority of contract staff were not successful despite our experience and commitment to the organization. Many of us have served the Kenya Forest Service continuously for over 15 years under successive contract terms. Our contracts have now expired and, to date, they have not been renewed, leaving us without jobs or any clear communication regarding our future. We are appealing for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the recruitment process. Long-serving employees who have dedicated years of service to the organization deserve equal and fair consideration for employment opportunities based on merit, rather than favouritism or nepotism. We hope that by bringing this matter to the attention of the public, the relevant authorities will investigate these concerns and ensure that justice is served for all affected employees.”
The employees also want their expired contracts renewed and are calling for a clear path to permanent employment for long-serving staff. They warn that if their concerns remain unresolved, they may seek legal action and file complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman.
By the time of publication, the Kenya Forest Service had not issued an official response to the allegations, and efforts to obtain a comment from its Corporate Communications office had not been successful.
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