List any four areas or functions which the Public Service Commission has identified as requiring scarce skills, and typically associated with a high turnover rate, and negatively affecting organisational performance.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Four Scarce Skills Areas Identified by the Public Service Commission (PSC)
- Engineering
- Health (e.g., doctors, nurses, and specialists)
- Finance and Accounting
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Explanation (300 words)
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has recognized several critical areas in the public sector where there is a consistent shortage of skilled professionals. These areas are characterized by high turnover rates and have a significant impact on the overall performance and service delivery of government institutions. Among these, four key functions stand out: engineering, health, finance and accounting, and information and communication technology (ICT).
Engineering is vital for infrastructure development, including roads, water systems, public buildings, and energy projects. However, the public sector struggles to attract and retain qualified engineers due to better pay and working conditions in the private sector and abroad. The shortage leads to delays in project execution and increased reliance on external consultants, which raises costs and reduces efficiency.
Health professionals, particularly doctors, nurses, and specialists, are in high demand both locally and internationally. The public health system often suffers from under-resourced facilities and overwhelming workloads, causing many healthcare workers to leave for better opportunities. This creates service delivery backlogs and compromises the quality of care in public hospitals and clinics.
Finance and Accounting roles are crucial for ensuring transparency, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance in government departments. A lack of skilled personnel in this area can lead to financial mismanagement, audit findings, and poor accountability, which damages public trust.
ICT professionals are essential for the digital transformation of public services, cybersecurity, and the efficient operation of government systems. However, the fast-evolving nature of technology makes it challenging for the public sector to retain skilled ICT workers, who are often lured by higher-paying roles in the private sector.
The scarcity in these sectors results in increased workloads for remaining staff, reduced morale, service delays, and overall weakened performance in public institutions, hindering efforts to achieve developmental goals.