Trans Nzoia’s Wage Bill Crisis: Irregular Hiring of Casual Workers Exposes Corruption and Mismanagement

Trans Nzoia County is currently grappling with a wage bill crisis that has placed significant strain on its financial stability, according to recent revelations by Governor George Natembeya and Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. The crisis revolves around the irregular hiring of over 700 casual workers, many of whom have been discovered to be ghost workers, contributing to a significant financial drain on the county’s budget. The controversy has sparked widespread concern about the governance and financial management of the county, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and corruption in local government.

The Root of the Crisis

At the center of the crisis is the revelation that over 700 casual workers, including house helps, shamba boys, and even students, have been drawing salaries from the county without providing any meaningful services. These workers were hired during the tenure of previous county administrations, long before Governor Natembeya assumed office, and have continued to receive payments under questionable circumstances.

Governor Natembeya expressed his frustration with the situation, noting that efforts to resolve the issue have been met with resistance from certain political actors. According to the governor, many of these casual workers were hired through the influence of former senior county staff and politicians who sought to benefit illegally from the system. These individuals reportedly inserted their relatives into the payroll, allowing them to collect salaries despite not reporting to work.

“They earn from the county but work as house helps in some homes or are students in colleges. This is not proper, and we have to stop it,” Natembeya said.

The governor further claimed that this network of corruption has been deeply entrenched in the county, with some individuals continuing to discredit his administration’s efforts to root out these irregularities. He emphasized that the situation has cost the county millions of shillings, funds that could have been directed toward essential development projects aimed at improving the lives of Trans Nzoia residents.

Auditor General’s Damning Report

The wage bill crisis came to light following a report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, which questioned the use of over Sh500 million to pay casual workers in the county. The report painted a grim picture of the county’s financial management, particularly concerning the employment of casual laborers who had exceeded their contractual periods, and for whom no proper hiring procedures had been followed.

According to Gathungu’s findings, 702 casual workers were being paid through a manual payroll system, which violated the standard procedures prescribed in the County Human Resource Manual. Notably, 682 of these casual workers had exceeded the three-month engagement period, yet they continued to draw salaries, highlighting a glaring disregard for proper employment protocols.

The Auditor General’s report indicated that 515 of these casual workers had been paid over Sh95 million annually without following due process. Furthermore, it was revealed that since 2013, the county had been paying salaries to employees outside the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD), raising serious concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the county’s payroll system.

Among the most significant irregularities identified in the audit report were:

1. Extended Employment Periods: Casual laborers were employed for prolonged periods without the necessary approvals, which contravened both the Employment Act and the county’s own regulations.
2. Unapproved Hiring: The hiring of the casual workers was not approved by the County Public Service Board, further violating the prescribed procedures for employment in the public service.
3. Lack of Documentation: There was no evidence presented to confirm that these casual workers had undergone the proper hiring process, raising questions about the legitimacy of their employment status.
4. Use of Manual Payroll: The continued use of a manual payroll system, despite the availability of the IPPD, suggested an attempt to evade scrutiny and perpetuate fraudulent practices.

Governor Natembeya’s Response

Governor Natembeya has taken a firm stance against the irregular hiring practices that have plagued the county, vowing to clean up the system and restore integrity to Trans Nzoia’s public service. He acknowledged that his efforts have “ruffled feathers” among the county’s political elite and those benefiting from the illegal dealings, but he remains determined to put an end to the misuse of public resources.

Natembeya expressed frustration over the extent of the corruption, noting that many of the casual workers were being paid despite not showing up to work for years. He described the situation as a “rotten system” that has deprived Trans Nzoia residents of crucial funds that should have been directed toward development projects.

“We bear witness to some people using the system to steal from residents. When we came in, we found a rotten system. I am ready to clean it for the betterment of our people,” Natembeya said.

He further pledged to work closely with the Controller of Budget and the Senate to find solutions to the problem of casual laborers in the county. The governor’s goal is to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that the people of Trans Nzoia can finally enjoy the benefits of devolution without being burdened by corruption and financial mismanagement.

Challenges and Political Resistance

Governor Natembeya’s crusade against corruption has not been without challenges. His administration has faced stiff resistance from political opponents and former county officials who have accused him of attempting to sack workers in a bid to consolidate power. These opponents have reportedly tried to discredit Natembeya’s efforts to rid the county of ghost workers, arguing that his reforms are politically motivated.

Natembeya, however, insists that his actions are in the best interests of the people of Trans Nzoia. He believes that the removal of ghost workers and the elimination of irregular hiring practices are essential steps in restoring fiscal discipline and ensuring that public funds are used for development rather than personal enrichment.

He has called on the public to support his efforts, noting that residents have long been frustrated by the rampant corruption that has characterized the county’s administration in the past.

The Way Forward: Reforms and Accountability

In response to the Auditor General’s report and the task force findings, Governor Natembeya has outlined several steps to address the wage bill crisis and improve the management of the county’s finances:

1. Streamlining the Payroll System: Natembeya has committed to transitioning all county employees to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) to enhance transparency and eliminate the possibility of ghost workers remaining on the payroll.
2. Engagement with National Authorities: The governor has pledged to engage the Controller of Budget and the Senate to explore legal avenues for resolving the casual laborer issue. This includes ensuring that all hiring decisions are made in compliance with the Employment Act and relevant county regulations.
3. Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: Natembeya has emphasized the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of such irregularities in the future. This includes enhancing the role of the County Public Service Board and ensuring that all hiring processes are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: The governor has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of corruption or irregular hiring practices. He believes that an informed and active citizenry is crucial to holding the county administration accountable and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all residents.
5. Following Through on Auditor Recommendations: Natembeya has promised to follow up on the recommendations of the Auditor General’s report, ensuring that those responsible for the irregular hiring and payment of ghost workers are held accountable. He has also vowed to recover any funds that were lost as a result of these illegal practices.

Conclusion

The wage bill crisis in Trans Nzoia is a stark reminder of the challenges that many counties in Kenya face in ensuring transparent and accountable governance. Governor Natembeya’s determination to address the issue, despite facing political resistance, signals a commitment to reform and restoring public confidence in the county administration.

By addressing the irregular hiring of casual workers and rooting out corruption, Natembeya aims to create a more efficient and effective county government that prioritizes the needs of its residents. However, the road ahead will require continued vigilance, public support, and strong oversight to ensure that Trans Nzoia can move past its troubled financial history and embrace a future of sustainable development.