Eldoret: The Public Service Commission is conducting a capacity building exercise for the North Rift counties of Uasin Gishu, Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi on human resource matters arising from county appeals. The retooling exercise targets County Public Service Boards (CPSBs), County Assembly Service Boards (CASBs), and County Executives, focusing on enhancing participants’ capabilities in handling human resource issues.
According to Kenya News Agency, the capacity-building exercise aims to identify challenges faced by counties in handling appeals before the Commission, with a view to improving processes, enhancing the capacity of county HR personnel, and boosting efficiency. It also seeks to promote skills and knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices. Speaking during the launch of the three-day sensitisation forum at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Public Service Commission Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye highlighted th
e serious gaps in HR management and unfair labor practices in the counties that prompted this initiative.
Kimonye noted that the National Government, under the 4th Schedule of the Constitution, is tasked with providing capacity building and technical assistance to County Governments. Since April 2022, the Commission has finalized 776 appeals and applications for review, revealing significant shortcomings in HR management within county administrations. This year alone, the commission processed 233 appeals and reviewed 24 applications.
Kimonye expressed hope that the forum will provide crucial technical support to county governments in creating awareness and pointing out gaps in HR practices to ensure alignment with existing laws and policies. The expectation is that these interactions will foster meaningful future engagements, reduce appeals filed at the Commission, and improve HR management practices in the counties.
PSC CEO Paul Famba reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring ethical, efficient,
and competent public service, which aligns with the president’s goal of making Kenya a first-world country. He emphasized the importance of sharpening skills to create a qualified public service capable of ensuring justice for both employers and employees.
The training will cover legal frameworks in HR management, emerging issues in county appeals, and the roles of various county HR bodies and officials. It will also delve into disciplinary control within counties. Uasin Gishu Governor, represented by his deputy Evans Kapkea, acknowledged the forum’s timely arrival as counties strive to strengthen fair, accountable, and efficient public service systems. He praised the Commission for fostering dialogue, learning, and capacity building around HR management and staff appeals, which will enable counties to identify gaps, adopt best practices, and improve service delivery systems.
