Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has officially opened the National Forum of County Public Service Boards in Kisumu, bringing together representatives from all 47 counties to discuss ways of strengthening public service delivery, improving employee productivity and promoting accountability in county governments.The five-day national convention, which runs from November 9 to November 13, 2026, has attracted leaders and representatives of County Public Service Boards, government officials and other stakeholders involved in public administration and human resource management.

During the opening ceremony on Monday, November 9, Mudavadi challenged county governments to strengthen their recruitment systems, promote professionalism and ensure that public appointments are based on qualifications, competence and merit rather than political influence.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the success of devolution depends significantly on the quality of public servants employed by county governments. He noted that county employees play an important role in implementing development programmes and ensuring residents receive essential services.Mudavadi calls for merit-based recruitment

One of the major issues highlighted by Mudavadi during the forum was the need for transparency and fairness in the recruitment of county government employees.

He called on County Public Service Boards to ensure that employment opportunities are awarded to qualified individuals who demonstrate the necessary skills and experience for advertised positions.

According to Mudavadi, recruitment processes should not be influenced by political connections, tribal considerations, nepotism or favouritism.He argued that county governments must establish professional working environments where every Kenyan has an equal opportunity to compete for available positions.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasised that recruitment should be based on merit, promotions should depend on ability and performance, while disciplinary measures should follow established procedures.

He warned that political interference in employment decisions could weaken public institutions and undermine the objectives of devolution.

County Public Service Boards have an important responsibility in ensuring that county administrations recruit competent personnel capable of delivering services to residents.He explained that the boards must be allowed to perform their duties professionally without unnecessary political pressure or interference.

Although the boards are expected to maintain constructive working relationships with governors, County Executive Committee Members and other county officials, their decisions must be guided by the law.

He encouraged county leaders to resolve disagreements through established legal and institutional mechanisms rather than using political influence to determine employment matters.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that independence does not mean avoiding cooperation with other county institutions.

Instead, it should help the boards make fair, transparent and professional decisions that protect the interests of residents.He urged County Public Service Boards to conduct regular staff audits to establish the number of employees, their qualifications, responsibilities and productivity.

He explained that managing the wage bill should not simply involve reducing the number of employees but ensuring that public resources allocated to salaries contribute to better services.

He called for effective payroll management systems, reliable human resource databases and proper workforce planning.

According to Mudavadi, county governments should ensure that every employee contributes meaningfully to the achievement of development priorities.

He further encouraged the adoption of technology in human resource management to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and reduce administrative weaknesses.The Prime Cabinet Secretary also called for reforms that would connect public servants' performance with promotions, career development and professional recognition.

He argued that performance contracts should not be treated as ordinary administrative documents but should become effective instruments for measuring productivity and improving service delivery.

Mudavadi proposed a stronger legal framework that would ensure employees who demonstrate commitment, efficiency and measurable results receive fair opportunities for career advancement.

He maintained that promotions should be based on competence and demonstrated ability rather than personal relationships or political considerations.

He also invoked the principle of Usawa ni Sawa, emphasising equal opportunities and fair treatment for public servants across the country.He observed that the effectiveness of county governments depends heavily on the people responsible for implementing their programmes.

He noted that county governments have collectively received approximately KSh4.4 trillion through revenue-sharing arrangements since the introduction of devolution.

He also cited an estimated 230,000 people employed across the 47 county governments, demonstrating the significant role county administrations play in employment and household livelihoods.

According to him, the success of devolution should not only be measured through the amount of money allocated to counties or the number of institutions established.

Instead, Kenyans should experience improvements in healthcare, water provision, agriculture, infrastructure, sanitation and other essential services.He also raised concerns about ensuring employees are placed in positions that match their qualifications and professional skills.

For example, healthcare professionals should be deployed where they can provide medical services, while engineers should be assigned responsibilities that make proper use of their technical expertise.

He argued that placing employees in positions that do not match their qualifications can waste valuable skills and negatively affect productivity.

He further emphasised that involving employees in decisions affecting their working conditions can improve morale and strengthen institutional performance.The national convention also brought attention to corruption concerns and the challenges facing County Public Service Boards in carrying out their responsibilities.

Kisumu County Public Service Board Chairman Dr James Obondi maintained that the board has zero tolerance for corruption.

He explained that recruitment should be conducted through transparent procedures and that no board member should demand money from members of the public in exchange for employment opportunities or other services.

He urged anyone who encounters individuals soliciting bribes to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

The chairman also emphasised that employment decisions should be based on merit and the qualifications of applicants.

These concerns reflect the need to protect public recruitment processes from individuals who may attempt to exploit job seekers.The five-day gathering in Kisumu brings together representatives from all 47 counties alongside national government institutions and other stakeholders.

The programme focuses on staffing, training, institutional capacity, performance management, employee productivity and challenges affecting county public service boards.

The Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Ports Authority are among the national agencies expected to participate in engagements connected to the convention.

The meeting is also expected to strengthen cooperation between county institutions and national government agencies.

Participants have an opportunity to share experiences, identify common challenges and discuss practical solutions that can improve the management of county employees.