After two months of serious HR audit, Garissa governor Nathif Jama has revealed findings from the HR audit report that shows reasons why the county has been grappling with a bloated wage bill.

In the exercise that was undertaken by Directorate of Personnel Management, it revealed that over 180 people were employed as directors, deputy, and assistant directors. Out of this, only 44 hold appropriate academic requirements such as a University degree. The report also revealed out that close to 100 people were employed as drivers while there are only 12 vehicles in the streets up and running.

Addressing the press in his office, Jama regretted that the county had been turned into a recruitment bureau, something that hindered the provision of essential services to residents.

He further said that it was established that 3,500 people have been recorded to earn salaries both in the IPPD and in excel without having passed through any employment process.

The governor also used the opportunity to defend himself against accusations from leaders and activists who have accused him over arbitrary sacking of county employees.

Now the Governor has appointed a special taskforce comprising of Mohamud Mursal and Noor Dahir to look into the matter. Where he urged all aggrieved parties to lodge their defense, saying that all genuine cases have no reason to worry.

The main duties of the taskforce are to hear any concerns that may be raised by staff who may have been affected by the recommendations, compile and submit a comprehensive report with clear recommendations of actions to be taken by the county government.

After payroll clean up, the team will now embark on headcount and finish with document verification.

By Jane Kibathi.