Nyeri: There was jubilation in Nyeri County among 377 County Staff members after the County government confirmed them to permanent and pensionable terms.
According to Kenya News Agency, the employees who have been serving in various County government departments received their appointment letters during a ceremony held at the Nyeri Cultural Centre. Nyeri Governor, Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, stated that the move is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to improve staff morale and strengthen service delivery in the County departments. He emphasized that the review of employment terms would end the staff’s uncertainty of working under contract terms.
Dr. Kahiga explained, ‘Having looked at the civil service and how we need to build on our experiences, we realized that our staff were only working for one year out of the three-year contract. The first year was spent looking for the job, the second was spent working, while the third year was spent looking for another job because there was so much uncertainty.’ He added that the decision for permanency is aimed at helping employees plan their future and continue working confidently for the people of Nyeri.
The staff will receive enhanced salaries in line with the 2024 Salaries and Remuneration Commission remuneration and benefits circular for County government employees. Dr. Kahiga mentioned that the salaries of the newly confirmed staff will be backdated to July 2024 and plans are in place to confirm the remaining 210 employees, who are on their first contract to permanent terms.
He highlighted that the upgrade will cost the County Sh 250 million to implement and will reduce the county’s wage bill by saving 24 percent of the money that would have otherwise been paid as gratuity at the expiration of their contracts. ‘Nyeri is going to be the first County to implement the SRC salary that was approved last year. We as the Council of Governors at the time really did not have money, because we expected the National government to provide money. But as a County, we already made arrangements for that in our budgets and therefore I see no reason why we should not pay,’ he said.
Some of the County staff, especially those from different counties, expressed their joy after receiving their confirmation letters. Stephen Juma, from the Department of Health Services, thanked the County government for recognizing his work and rewarding him with a permanent job. He noted that Nyeri County has ensured timely payment of salaries, unlike other counties that have witnessed strikes due to delays, ensuring uninterrupted health services.
Damaris Nyakiongana, from Kisii County, who has been working in Nyeri for the last four years, expressed gratitude for the newfound job security which will help her manage her finances better and improve her efficiency at work. She acknowledged Nyeri’s commitment to transitioning staff from contract to permanent terms.
Collins Kosgei, from Nandi County, praised the County Public Service Board for promoting diversity in employment. He shared his journey from an intern in 2018 to being confirmed as a permanent employee, highlighting Nyeri County’s openness to employ individuals from different counties permanently. He encouraged other counties to follow Nyeri’s example.
