A new report has revealed that Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) employees took the highest number of emergency leave days among public servants last year.
The report has raised concerns over potential abuse of the provision, which allows employees time off to address unforeseen circumstances.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) report indicates that KPLC accounted for 99.3 per cent, translating to 26,837, of the 27,026 emergency leaves granted to public servants in the year ending June 2024.
Kenya Power emerged as the leading institution in granting emergency leave, followed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the State Department for Foreign Affairs, which recorded 175 and 14 emergency leave instances, respectively.
The electricity distributor defended the numbers, attributing them to its large workforce of approximately 10,500 employees.
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In response to the report, KPLC stated, "Employees are entitled to 30 days of leave every year. As emergencies are unplanned, it's difficult for employees to schedule emergency leave. However, emergency leave days are recovered from the total allowable annual leave days".
The report assessed public institutions that authorised emergency leave, even as it pointed out that the provision is not anchored in law.
"It was established that 27,026 officers were granted emergency leave. 27,012 officers from state corporations and SAGAs (semi-autonomous government agencies) and 14 from MDAs (ministries, departments, and agencies) took the leave," the PSC said.
The Commission expressed concern over the absence of legislation governing emergency leave.
PSC, also called on institutions that issued such leaves to clarify their basis.
"There seems to be no existing legislation for this leave. It might be possible that the three institutions were referring to compassionate or sick leave. All public institutions which granted emergency leave should explain the circumstances under which the leave was granted," read the report in Part.
In response, KPLC clarified that emergency leave is granted to employees facing urgent personal matters, such as the sudden illness or death of a close relative.
The Electricity Supplier further explained that these leave days are deducted from an employee's annual leave entitlement.
"Ideally, everybody is prone to an emergency that may require them to take leave from work. Assuming all employees experience three such situations yearly, this translates into 31,500 instances of emergency leave across the workforce. Therefore, the 26,837 instances of emergency leave as quoted in the PSC report that you shared is within range," KPLC responded.
Meanwhile, in other news, Global audit firm KPMG has raised concerns over the impact of the new NSSF contribution model on Kenyan workers and businesses.
The Firm, warns that this will lower disposable income and increase employer costs.
Under the revised structure, contributions have shifted from a flat Ksh200 per month to a tiered system, with higher earners contributing up to Ksh8,640 monthly.
While the changes aim to boost retirement savings, they add to existing statutory deductions like SHIF and the Affordable Housing Levy, further straining household budgets.
The government insists the move enhances long-term financial security, but JULISHA.CO.KE Business analysts warn of immediate pressure on consumer spending and business operations.
