Concerns are mounting in Elgeyo Marakwet County after the Senate was petitioned to investigate widespread irregularities in human resource and payroll management within the County Public Service Board.

While seeking a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Senator William Kisang raised a series of questions on unlawful appointments, skewed promotions, and questionable payments to county staff.

Kisang questioned the legality of frequent and unexplained transitions of employees between permanent and contract terms, especially for those returning to previous positions after serving as County Executive Committee Members (CECs) or Chief Officers (COs).

“There is a worrying trend where officers serve in executive capacities and later revert to their former roles without undergoing any formal reappointment process,” Kisang noted in his statement.

Of particular concern was the reported bypassing of established recruitment procedures for senior county officials. According to Kisang, some Chief Officers were appointed without any interviews or competitive processes, in clear violation of public service regulations.

He also highlighted the disbursement of irregular financial perks, asking the Senate to probe discretionary payments that appear to flout legal guidelines.

“An account for the payment of special house allowance totalling Kshs11,387,400 to 156 officers, and an additional special salary amounting to Ksh3,141,193.50 to 25 staff members over one year, despite clear public service guidelines prohibiting such discretionary payments,” he stated.

Kisang called on the committee chaired by Senator Mohamed Abbas to establish the source and approval processes behind these allowances.

The senator further expressed concern over repeated delays and non-payment of salaries for county staff in the 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 financial years. He urged the committee to uncover the causes of the delays and recommend lasting solutions.

“Why are county staff not receiving salaries on time? This affects morale and service delivery,” he posed.

Adding to the concerns were issues surrounding probation and retirement practices. Kisang revealed that 11 employees had been left on probation for durations longer than legally permitted, and seven individuals over the official retirement age of 60 were still drawing salaries from the county payroll.

“These practices violate established public service laws. The Senate must intervene and ensure accountability,” he emphasised.