Trans nzoia: The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has moved to calm rising tensions in Trans Nzoia County following the controversial dismissal of members of the County Public Service Board, just days before the end of their term.
According to Kenya News Agency, the intervention was prompted by a petition from the affected board members. Committee Chairperson Prof. Margaret Kamar stated that the Senate is committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to the abrupt decision. The former board members sought the Senate’s intervention, questioning the rationale behind their early termination despite being near the end of their term.
Prof. Kamar addressed the press, explaining that the committee engaged with the county leadership, including the Governor, to clarify the situation and ensure accountability in county governance. ‘We are here to listen to all parties involved and establish the facts surrounding the early termination of the board. Our goal is to ensure that due process is followed and institutions are protected,’ she stated.
The Governor defended the decision, citing administrative challenges related to terminal leave and a backlog of pending bills, which he argued necessitated urgent action. This explanation has sparked a broader debate on governance and human resource management within county governments.
Prof. Kamar pointed out that the issue is not isolated to Trans Nzoia, highlighting systemic weaknesses in the legal framework governing county public service boards. ‘As a committee, we have observed gaps in how members transition into and out of office. Some of these challenges are embedded in the law, and there may be a need to amend the County Governments Act to provide a clear and smooth transition process,’ she noted.
The situation is further complicated by political transitions, as the outgoing board was appointed under a previous administration but is exiting under a new Governor, raising concerns about continuity and independence. Senator Richard Onyonga, a committee member, emphasized that the Senate’s intervention aims to strengthen county operations rather than assign blame. ‘We are here to gather information that will help county governments run better and more effectively. Our role is to ensure systems work for the benefit of the public,’ he said.
At the heart of the probe is a critical question regarding the balance of power: whether governors should have full authority to hire and dismiss board members or whether public service boards should operate independently to safeguard professionalism and stability. The committee acknowledged that human resource management remains one of the most sensitive and critical aspects of county governance, warning that unresolved conflicts could hinder service delivery.
With deliberations ongoing, the Senate expressed confidence that a lasting solution will be reached, potentially through legislative reforms aimed at strengthening institutional independence while maintaining functional collaboration within county governments.
