The Nakuru County Assembly has halted the recruitment of 10 sub-county administrators, citing irregularities in the process that allegedly violated the Public Finance Management Act and county budget protocols.
The decision followed a petition from Simon Sangale ole Nasieku of the Nakuru Accountability Forum, who accused the County Public Service Board of fraudulent vacancy declarations. The assembly's joint committees on Labour and Budget and Appropriations ruled that recruitment under vacancy number 04/2022 was unlawful, citing procedural breaches.
A May 18, 2022, letter from the assembly's clerk, Ms. Ann Kahunga, stated that the Chief Officer Public Service Training and Development had acted beyond their authority. The resolution also called for a formal service structure for administrators and consideration of acting officers for promotion.
Timothy Kabutu, vice-chair of the Labour committee, emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting its sensitivity during an election year. He stated the assembly aimed to block unapproved recruitment that lacked budgetary backing.
Nasieku had previously requested documentation from the board, including minutes of vacancy approvals and budget estimates. The board's failure to respond prompted the petition. While the board chair defended the recruitment as following departmental instructions, no written budget approval was provided.
The assembly's actions come amid broader challenges, including 17 pending petitions and unresolved bills such as the Nakuru County Maternal Newborn and Child Health Bill. Key legislation like the 2022/2023 Budget remains unapproved as the assembly approaches its dissolution ahead of August 9 polls.
