Hallo SK.

I work for GoK in a certain Ministry. They declined my Study Leave citing that I had to have worked for the Gok for more that 4 years post-University to qualify for study leave. I need to resign with immediate effect. But I heard there is a penalty for abrupt resignations,and if I leave for study without approval,they will initiate disciplinary action (absent from the work station etc). I gave the Ministry an option of Unpaid Leave and Bonding for an extra 2 more years which they declined too. They said I was educated through undergraduate university by the people of Kenya and that I should postpone my training for 2 years. I have worked for Gok for 2 years now. I leave for postgraduate study next week for 1 year (Full Scholarship,Expenses paid,Allowances paid,VISA and ticket already sorted out). I fully intend to return to Kenya and to my work after the training. I don't mind my job; the pay is not good,but I enjoy my work and I get time to work on other businesses when off-work. I recently got promoted and they are adjusting salaries upwards (more than 20+K) for employees in my job group. How do I manouver this predicament without stepping on anybody's toes?

Sleep is the cousin of death.

...why dont you do what every other civil servant is doind... Give the boss two month's salary and he will give you a paid study leave. Hii ni nchi ya watu wadogo...

I know gava is rife with bribery when it comes to study leave. Have a pal that had to pay someone for the thing to get through. Of course you do not have to do that. I agree with @Igana i.e do not limit your future to your current employer. You have one full year to study and but also build contacts in the local private sector even when you are overseas. Who knows,you could even establish your own business depending on what it is you will be studying. All the best.

A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.You can always try to postpone your scholarship.Dont be in such a hurry especially if you enjoy your job and remember retiring is 60yrs,plus in the civil service there is no job stress.I tell you in private companies they try to suck the living juice out of you even if the pay is better.Plus you can come back from abroad and u tarmac mpaka ushangae,unless you are sure your career is super competitive dont try anything based on probabilities and fantasies.Just weigh your options and take the safe option,this is real life dont try macho stuff.My two cents

Dude,I respect your opinion even though you disrespect mine...let the kiddo decide,after all he wanted different opinions...not just to be cheered on.

@Sweetie: You are right! Ministry of Medical Services,MO at a very busy goverment hospital. The DMS flatly told me to take a hike. Thought of going to the PS,but of course he'll send me back to Dr.Francis Kimani.

@Magigi: My boss is the DMS. He is a geriatric,on contract like Muthaura. On the door to his 6th Floor office at Afya House is a picture with the words 'God is my Shield and Saviour' on it. I would never ever attempt to try an under the table deal with him.

@Sheep: I have the ticket,VISA and have already started packing my bags. I vacated my house (got my deposit back,yes I did!),sorted out my bank transactions,said goodbyes to friends and mentally prepared myself to leave. I don't think postponing is a wise idea. The sponsors will get disappointed and they might never offer the chance to me again. I have friends who work in the private sector and they work like crazy. They have no free time though their pay is far far better. They often tell me not to leave Gava if I love my freedom. I don't think I would tarmac after I come back.

@Wakanyungi: Be kind to Sheep. His/her opinion matters too. And he/she is right,some sectors of the government have job security. Ever heard of a doctor being retrenched? After I am back,I am NOT working for the government again!

Have heard familiar stories: A fellow colleague got a job at KNH,but the Ministry of MS declined to transfer her to KNH since it is a parastatal and Gava is under-staffed. She lost out on the job after she was accepted following a gruelling interview process. Another colleague got a scholarship to do a Masters in Surgery for 4 years. The DMS declined since he had worked 3 years and he needed to have worked for 4 years. He postponed his study,the sponsoring University has NEVER invited him back,even after he has requested severally. He gave up and transfered to Ministry of Sanitation and PH.

I'm halfway through on my resignation letter. One month notice,a couple of paragraphs on the exact reasons I decided to quit and forwarded to the PS,through the DMS,the PDMS and the Med Sup. Sincerely,it's not worth it taking crap from these Gava hard-heads. I got the clearance form and have started getting signed off from the various departments.

The government has lost very many good and qualified employees because it cannot create ways of making them content at their jobs,pays them little and treats them shabbily.

Thanks for the advice. I'm now convinced on the path that I should take.

Sleep is the cousin of death.

@Jguru:

It is good to know that there are afew good men left in the civil service...