Migori County Fires 95 Casual Workers After HR Audit Exposes Budget Strain
Migori County has dismissed 95 casual workers across several departments following a human resource audit that flagged an overstretched wage bill and widespread staffing irregularities. The affected workers, many of whom served in county health facilities and the Migori Kuria Transmara (MIKUTRA) Water Company, protested the decision, accusing county officials of targeting them unfairly while ignoring months of unpaid salaries.
Deputy Governor Joseph Gimunta Mahiri confirmed the layoffs, saying the audit was necessary to streamline the county’s workforce and ensure that staffing levels match the available budget. He revealed that the county had significantly exceeded its casual labour quota, forcing the administration to cut numbers to restore financial order. The review, conducted within health facilities such as Migori Referral, Isebania and Kehancha hospitals, found that some workers had been retained long after their short-term contracts had expired. Mahiri said the county must operate within a lean structure to maintain efficiency and protect essential services.
The dismissals triggered a wave of demonstrations, with some workers saying they had gone six months without pay. Casual labourers from Isebania marched to county headquarters on February 2, demanding immediate settlement of arrears. Some claimed they had served the county for over a decade without ever being confirmed to permanent terms. Others said the timing of the dismissals—coming shortly after their protests—felt retaliatory. Health workers also expressed frustration after being informed abruptly that their services were no longer required despite years of commitment.
County officials maintain that the ongoing workforce rationalisation is meant to improve service delivery rather than punish employees. Mahiri assured the affected workers that the county would consolidate all pending salary arrears and complete payments by the end of February. As the county restructures, attention now shifts to whether the Migori administration will meet its promised timelines, address long-standing salary delays and rebuild trust with employees while ensuring that essential health and water services continue uninterrupted.