Uasin Gishu county services paralysed after protest

County Services Paralyzed in Uasin Gishu as Protesters Clash with Police Over Jobs
County government services in Uasin Gishu were brought to a standstill on Wednesday after hundreds of protesting youth stormed and barricaded the county headquarters, demanding the reversal of a recent staff hiring list. The demonstrators, who alleged the recruitment process was riddled with corruption and nepotism, clashed with anti-riot police, leading to running battles that saw police fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The protests were triggered by the county government’s release of a list of individuals hired for various positions, which the youth claimed unfairly favored outsiders and well-connected individuals over local, qualified candidates. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the protesters blocked the main entrance to the governor’s office, effectively paralyzing all operations. We cannot sit back and watch as jobs meant for our people are given to others. The entire process was not transparent, stated one of the protest leaders, capturing the group’s collective frustration.
The confrontation escalated as police attempted to clear the barricades, leading to the use of tear gas. The chaos forced county employees and members of the public to flee the area, while businesses surrounding the county headquarters were forced to close temporarily. The county leadership, under Governor Jonathan Bii, has yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the specific allegations, but county officials have previously stated that the recruitment was conducted fairly and in accordance with public service guidelines.
The day’s events highlight the simmering tension over unemployment and the perceived inequity in public sector hiring, issues that have become a political lightning rod in the region. As calm slowly returns to Eldoret town, the situation remains volatile. The protest serves as a stark warning to the county administration that the youth are prepared to disrupt normal operations to have their grievances heard, placing significant pressure on the governor to address the claims of bias and provide a tangible solution to the job crisis.