By: Harun Salat
GARISSA—Several county executive members in Wajir and Mandera are set to tender in their resignation from this week following a new circular by the Council of Governors (CoG) discouraging unprocedural switch of position when their contract lapses.
This after the Public Service Commission (PSC) raised alarm over a growing trend where top county officers bend their terms of contract and enter themselves into higher job cadres as permanent and pensionable employees towards the end of their tenure.
“The practice of CECs and County officers ascending to higher offices on contract terms while still maintaining their substantive offices is highly discouraged. Under section 59(b) of the County Governments Act, it is the responsibility of the County Public Service Board to appoint persons to substantively hold these offices once they fall vacant,” a circular dated 29th June by Mary Mwiti, the CEO of the Council, said in part.
Shortly a governor is elected into office, the law mandates him/her to appoint County Executive Committee (CECs) members and Chief Officers on contractual terms. They are eligible for gratuity at the end of their tenure. On the other hand, officers in public service are on permanent and pensionable terms which is payable upon retirement.
“The public service norms and standards do not allow for public officers to benefit from both pension and gratuity during the same tenure and as such it is required of the aforementioned officers to have resigned from their substantive positions upon being appointed as such,” the Council noted.
Kulan Post understands that close to seven CECs and Chief Officers in Wajir and Mandera counties are planning to tender in their resignation at the wake of the new advisory. In Wajir, more than two Chief Officers have reportedly made the move in less than a week while several others are “considering their options.” The situation is no different in Mandera County. Governor Adan Khalif has today announced what her termed as “reassignment of portfolios for improved service delivery.”
“We therefore opine that it is irregular for officers to hold position of CECs and Chief Officers then revert back to their substantive positions once their contracts lapse. This in our view also denies other deserving Kenyans the opportunity to serve in the County public service,” the circular urged.
