The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has disassociated itself from allegations by some media houses that job descriptions and person specifications were created to favor the absorption of Rural Electrification Agency staff into the Ministry.
This follows cabinet’s decision for government to carry out -wide Rationalization of Agencies and Government Expenditures (RAPEX) which will see the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) directly -run under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) as of 18th October 2022.
A press release issued by the Energy Ministry and signed by State Minister for Energy, Okaasai Sidronius Opolot- stated that in line with its mandate, the Ministry of Public Service led the restructuring and development of the structure of the Rural Electrification Department and realigned its functions to that of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
“The Ministry of Public Service developed the job descriptions and person specifications for positions in the ministries to which agencies are to be merged. The rationalization process involves several stages that implementing ministries in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service are undertaking,” reads the press release in part..
It further adds that the Public Service Ministry provided guidelines for the rationalization process which have detailed roles of various stakeholders.
The appointment guidelines spell out that “the terms and conditions of service of employees who shall be mainstreamed into the Public Service under a Parent Ministry shall be aligned to the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021; the appointment of the employees shall be regularizes by the respective service commission after a validation exercise ; and only those Public Officers who possess the required qualifications at the time of mainstreaming will be considered for regularization.”
The Ministry also stated that since the commencement of the merging process, it developed a road map that has been effected to ensure a smooth transition with reference to the Electricity (Establishment and Management of the Rural Electrification Fund) Instrument 2021, statutory Instrument 2021.
During the duration of mainstreaming process which commenced on 19th October 2020, all staff of REA who were transferred to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development have been receiving their employment benefits and shall continue to do so until 18th October 2022.
It also pledged to continue engaging the staff as part of the existing change Management Strategy to ensure a smooth transition. “Government continues to prioritize rural electrification to ensure achievements of the targets set in the National Development Plan III for ensuring universal access to electricity.”
