Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi wants county workers promoted on results, not routine. On Monday he told the National Forum of County Public Service Boards Annual Convention in Kisumu that all 47 county governments should adopt transparent, merit-based systems backed by law.
"Performance contracts should not just be a ritual; they must be a legal obligation that links performance to the fair promotion of public servants," Mudavadi said, according to Capital FM and KBC. He said assessments must rest on measurable outcomes and objective evaluations. Staff who show commitment, efficiency and results should earn fair promotions and career growth.
Mudavadi cited the principle of Usawa ni Sawa. He said every public servant deserves equal opportunity, fair treatment and recognition based on individual performance. He urged the boards to strengthen merit-based recruitment, end unfair human resource practices and build workplaces that nurture talent and innovation.
People Daily reported that Mudavadi also challenged the boards to resist political interference in public appointments. According to the outlet, he warned that patronage, nepotism and weak accountability threaten the credibility of devolution. He also said county governments must abandon politically driven recruitment.
Mudavadi said the boards have a constitutional duty to keep county workforces competent, accountable and productive. He argued that devolution should not be judged by the mere existence of county institutions. The real test, he said, is whether counties meet citizens' needs and improve services at the grassroots.
He also called for closer cooperation between the national and county governments. The aim, he said, is stronger institutions, better human resource management and more efficient use of public resources.
The annual convention brings together representatives of County Public Service Boards from all 47 counties and other stakeholders. They discuss human resource management, institutional capacity, performance and productivity in devolved governments.