Civil servants have been reminded to strictly adhere to approved channels of communication and grievance-handling procedures, with the Ministry of Civil Service warning that bypassing established protocols may lead to disciplinary action.
In a circular issued on December 22, 2025, the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Civil Service Pita Tagicakirewa reiterated that all official communication within the Civil Service must follow the administrative hierarchy
“The purpose of this Circular is to reiterate and reinforce the requirement for all Civil Servants to strictly adhere to the established channels of communication and grievance-handling mechanisms,” he said.
The circular outlines that employment-related matters — including discipline, remuneration and conditions of service — must first be raised with an immediate supervisor before escalating through heads of units, departments and permanent secretaries, and where applicable, the Public Service Commission
It further cautions that direct communication that bypasses these channels “undermines established governance structures, accountability, and effective management within the Civil Service” and is therefore discouraged
Civil servants have also been advised not to raise grievances directly with ministers. “Ministers are responsible for policy direction and political oversight and are not the appropriate avenues for addressing individual or operational employment matters,” the circular states
Permanent secretaries have been directed to disseminate the circular, brief staff, and ensure compliance, with breaches potentially resulting in disciplinary action
