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.
Speaking during a fact-finding mission prompted by a petition from the affected board members, Committee Chairperson Prof. Margaret Kamar said the Senate is committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to the abrupt decision.
The former board members had petitioned the Senate seeking intervention, questioning why their tenure was cut short despite being close to its natural conclusion.
Addressing the press, Prof. Kamar said the committee engaged the county leadership, including the Governor, to shed light on the matter 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 said.
The Governor defended the move, citing administrative challenges linked to terminal leave and a backlog of pending bills, which he said necessitated urgent action.
However, the explanation has sparked a broader debate on governance and human resource management within county governments.
Prof. Kamar noted that the issue goes beyond Trans Nzoia, pointing to 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 stated.
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.
Committee member Senator Richard Onyonga emphasised that the Senate’s intervention is aimed at strengthening county operations rather than apportioning 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 centre of the probe is a critical question on the balance of power: whether governors should have full authority to hire and dismiss board members or whether the 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.
By Isaiah Nayika and Winnie Jelagat
