Court Halts Nakuru County’s Move to Dismiss 24 Staff

A court in Nakuru County has issued an interim injunction preventing the county government from terminating 24 employees who were appointed in January 2014. The Employment and Labour Relations Court, under Justice Anna Mwaure, granted the order this week in a petition brought by the affected workers through their lawyer, citing alleged violations in the dismissal process.
The background to the case involves staff who say they were confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms in May 2025 after being engaged as clerical officers since 2014. The county subsequently issued letters on 17 September 2025 terminating or replacing some of them, without formal disciplinary procedures or re‑advertisement of positions. The court’s order reads in part: An interim order be issued staying the decision … terminating the employment of the petitioners and/or interfering with the petitioners’ rights as per the contract dated January 21, 2014.
Local trade unions and labour rights groups have welcomed the ruling as a win for workers’ protection under the County Governments Act and the Employment Act. They argue the county’s attempt to dismiss long‑serving staff without due process sets a dangerous precedent in devolved governance. The county government, meanwhile, has been silent on whether it will appeal the decision or proceed with its planned restructurings. If challenged further, the case may prompt review of internal hiring and termination protocols across Kenyan counties.
Looking forward, the outcome of this case could become a benchmark for how county governments handle employment matters, especially where long‑standing staff are involved. Should the petitioners succeed at full hearing, Nakuru’s labour practices may come under reform, compelling the county and potentially others to improve transparency and adherence to statutory procedures. The county’s leadership may also face increased scrutiny from both oversight bodies and public service boards to ensure lawful and fair employee management.