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PSC commits to work closely with counties to streamline human resource management
14th August, 2025 07:53 PM
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has pledged to work more closely with County Public Service Boards (CPSBs) to streamline human resource management and enhance service delivery in the country’s devolved units.
Speaking during a side event between PSC and CPSB at the Devolution Conference 2025 in Homa Bay County on August 14, 2025, PSC Commissioner Francis Owino, representing Chairperson Anthony Muchiri, underscored the critical role both institutions play in delivering quality, citizen-centred services.
He called for stronger collaboration in tackling long-standing HR challenges in county governments, citing recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary procedures as priority areas.
While lauding the gains of devolution in grassroots resource allocation and decision-making, Owino stressed the need to urgently address gaps in human capital management.
“This partnership seeks to address long-standing HR challenges while enhancing professionalism, accountability, and efficiency in county governments,” he stated.
On the other hand, Chairperson of the County Secretaries Caucus, Hassan Billow, and County Public Service Boards Caucus Chairperson, Farida Abdalla, acknowledged persistent HR challenges in devolved units.
They urged regular engagements with PSC and capacity-building initiatives to harmonise HR practices across the country.
Participants raised concerns over disparities in skill levels across counties, hurdles in staff transfers and inter-governmental secondment, inconsistent performance management systems, politicisation of appointments, and abuse of affirmative action policies.
The forum resolved that sustained dialogue, joint training, and alignment of county HR policies with PSC regulations were key to ensuring uniformity, fairness, and professionalism in the public service.
Also in attendance were PSC Commissioners Joan Machayo, Francis Meja, Boya Molu, and Mwanamaka Mabruki. Others were county secretaries, county executives, development partners, representatives from county public service boards across the country, and devolution conference delegates, underscoring the collective commitment to strengthening county-level human resource governance.
Homa Bay Devolution Conference
The conference, which President William Ruto officially opened on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, brings together members of the National Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, county governments and development partners to take stock of the progress of the devolved system of government.
The event has been themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice.”
