Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui says the County Government could face a workforce crisis in the next three years when workers retire enmasse.
He said an audit carried by the County last year revealed that almost half of the workforce will be due for retirement in three years’ time.
His remarks come at a time when services in critical sectors of the County government such as health services have been hampered by staff shortages.
A few weeks ago, County Executive (CEC) for health, Dr Kariuki Gichuki, announced that the county would soon advertise for health workers vacancies to alleviate acute shortages in the key areas.
The CEC had said that among the workers to be employed are doctors, nurses and public health officers.
Dr Kariuki had further said that the County would also recruit clinical officers, an oncologist, dental and Ear, Nose and Throat consultants.
The Governor spoke at a Nakuru hotel when he officially opened a wealth declaration forum for members of the County Public Service Board (CPSB).
He encouraged County Government employees to embrace wealth declaration as it is a key tool in the fight against corruption and not meant for victimization.
The Governor said declaration of income, assets and liabilities enhances prudent management of public funds.
The two-day workshop is part of the ongoing engagement between the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) and CPSBs to promote good governance.
He said CPSBs are key stakeholders in combating graft as they play a critical role in human resource management and development.
He noted that wealth declaration is an important tracking tool that can help instill transparency and honesty in public office.
“It is an important tracking weapon capable of raising the red flag on suspicious accumulation of wealth that cannot be accounted for. The war on corruption is not only a national war but also needs to be replicated at county levels,” he said
The Governor challenged the Church to be at the forefront in the war against graft which has permeated all aspects of life.
EACC Commissioner, Dr. Dabaar Maalim, said in 2018/19, a total of 99 reports related to CPSBs were processed by the Commission.
He revealed that in 2017 out of 47 Counties 28 CPSBs did not submit reports within the required time.
Maalim said 27 Counties have so far formulated policies on wealth declaration submission procedure for their public officers.
By Jane Ngugi
