Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged counties to link promotions to employee performance.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi wants a legal framework linking county workers’ performance to promotions, career growth and better services.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for performance-based promotions across all 47 counties, backed by a legal framework. He said county governments should reward measurable results through transparent systems that support career growth and better services.
Speaking on Monday at the National Forum of County Public Service Boards Annual Convention in Kisumu, Mudavadi challenged county leaders to strengthen accountability. He also warned against treating performance contracts as routine paperwork with no practical consequences for employees.
Legal framework for performance-based promotions
Mudavadi proposed making performance contracts a legal obligation linked to fair advancement in the public service. Under his proposal, assessments would use measurable outcomes and objective evaluations to recognise each employee’s contribution.
He said workers who show commitment, efficiency and productivity deserve recognition through promotions and career progression. Rather than relying on routine administrative procedures, county governments should assess the results their employees deliver.
He also invoked the principle of Usawa ni Sawa, calling for equal opportunities and fair treatment for public servants. Recognition, he said, should reflect individual performance, commitment and productivity. His appeal linked fairness in employment decisions with stronger accountability across county workforces.
County boards urged to strengthen merit-based recruitment
Meanwhile, Mudavadi challenged County Public Service Boards to strengthen recruitment based on merit and eliminate unfair employment practices. He also urged them to create workplaces that encourage talent, innovation and professional excellence.
The boards have a constitutional responsibility to maintain competent, accountable and productive workforces, he said. Those employees must help county governments turn development priorities into improved services for residents.
Mudavadi further argued that county institutions alone cannot define the success of devolution. Instead, their ability to meet citizens’ needs and improve grassroots services should provide the measure.
He also called for closer national and county government cooperation to strengthen institutions and improve workforce management. That collaboration, he said, should support efficient use of public resources.
The annual convention brings together board representatives from all 47 counties and other stakeholders. Discussions cover workforce management, institutional capacity, performance and productivity in devolved governments.
