Confusion as Nakuru County Dismisses Staff Hired in 2014

In a move that stunned many, the Nakuru County Government sent home 24 employees whose appointments dated back to January 2014, citing non-compliance with the County Governments Act Section 63. Termination letters, signed by Chief Officer Joseph Kibusia on July 28 2025, declared the workers’ positions invalid as of October 1, despite earlier formalisation of their permanent and pensionable status effective August 1, 2025.
The terminated staff included senior office assistants, cleaning supervisors and secretaries whose appointments had initially been recommended for PNP (Permanent & Pensionable) status by the County Public Service Board (PSB). Yet the dismissal letters argued their engagements contravened Section 63, which vests appointment power in the PSB. Some letters further asserted the affected employees failed to pick up offers of appointment, thus nullifying their status — a claim employees dispute. As one letter noted: Your appointment … was in contravention of Section 63 … the board informed this office that you did not pick the appointment letter.
The decision has raised serious concerns locally, with labour rights advocates and ward representatives challenging both the process and substance of the dismissals. Naivasha East Ward Representative Stanley Karanja questioned how the PSB could endorse PNP status and then support the same employees’ termination. The move also poses risks for the county’s service delivery as experienced staff are lost and institutional memory eroded. Looking ahead, critics say the county must clarify its compliance with the County Governments Act, provide due process to workers, and possibly reinstate or renegotiate the contracts to avoid legal battles and workplace instability.