Nairobi County Administration Faces Audit Concerns Over Hiring of 3800 Employees
Quote from Lawyer on August 25, 2025, 9:00 amA recent audit report has raised significant concerns about the hiring practices of the Nairobi County government under Governor Johnson Sakaja, revealing that approximately 3800 employees were recruited irregularly during the financial year ending June 2023. The Auditor General's findings have sparked questions about transparency, compliance with employment regulations, and the management of public resources in the county.
The audit, which scrutinized the county's operations, highlighted several discrepancies in the recruitment process for the 3800 staff members. According to the report, these hires were made without adhering to proper procedures, including a lack of competitive recruitment processes and inadequate documentation to justify the appointments. The absence of clear records raises concerns about whether these employees were qualified for their roles or if the positions were necessary to meet the county's operational needs.
Furthermore, the audit revealed that some of the recruited staff were assigned to roles without clear job descriptions or evidence of vacancies, pointing to potential mismanagement or favoritism in the hiring process. This has led to speculation about whether the recruitment was driven by political or personal interests rather than public service requirements.
The irregular hiring of 3800 employees has significant financial consequences for Nairobi County. The audit report noted that the county's wage bill has ballooned, straining its budget and diverting funds from critical development projects. The additional staff, many of whom were hired without proper authorization, have contributed to an unsustainable payroll, raising questions about the county's ability to deliver essential services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The report also flagged discrepancies in salary payments, including instances where employees received allowances and benefits that were not properly documented or justified. For example, some staff were paid arrears ranging from substantial amounts, with no clear explanation of the basis for these payments. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns about potential misuse of public funds.
Beyond the hiring irregularities, the audit pointed to broader governance challenges within Nairobi County's administration. The report criticized the county for failing to adhere to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for the Public Service, which sets standards for recruitment, remuneration, and employee management. Specifically, the audit found that some employees were earning salaries below the required minimum threshold, while others received payments that exceeded allowable limits.
Additionally, the county's failure to meet inclusivity targets was highlighted. The audit revealed that only 1.25 percent of the county's workforce comprises persons with disabilities, falling short of the mandated 5 percent as stipulated by the Disability Act of 2003. This oversight underscores a lack of commitment to diversity and inclusion in the county's employment practices.
Governor Sakaja's administration has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the audit findings. However, county officials have previously defended their hiring practices, arguing that the recruitment was necessary to address staffing shortages in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and public works. They have also claimed that efforts are underway to streamline operations and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Critics, however, argue that these explanations do not adequately address the audit's concerns. Local leaders and civil society groups have called for greater accountability, urging the county to conduct a thorough review of its recruitment processes and take corrective action to prevent future irregularities. Some have also demanded an independent investigation to determine whether the hiring practices violated legal or ethical standards.
The irregular hiring is part of a larger pattern of financial and governance challenges facing Nairobi County. Previous audit reports have flagged billions of shillings in questionable spending, including issues with procurement, double payments, and unaccounted-for funds. For instance, the county's school feeding program, known as "Dishi na County," came under scrutiny for overpayments to suppliers, while the transfer of funds to the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services raised questions about transparency.
These recurring issues have eroded public trust in the county's leadership and sparked debates about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. The Auditor General has emphasized the need for stronger internal controls and adherence to procurement and employment regulations to safeguard public resources.
The audit findings have prompted calls for urgent reforms within Nairobi County's administration. Stakeholders, including residents, business leaders, and advocacy groups, are demanding greater transparency in how the county manages its workforce and finances. Some have suggested that the county adopt digital systems to track recruitment and payroll processes, reducing opportunities for irregularities.
Additionally, there is growing pressure on the national government and oversight bodies, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, to intervene and ensure accountability. The commission has already launched investigations into past financial mismanagement in the county, and the latest audit findings may intensify scrutiny of Sakaja's administration.
As Nairobi County grapples with the fallout from the audit report, the focus is shifting toward corrective measures and long-term solutions. The county government faces the challenge of balancing the need for adequate staffing with the imperative to maintain fiscal responsibility and comply with legal standards. For residents, the priority is ensuring that public funds are used effectively to deliver services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The Auditor General's report serves as a wake-up call for Nairobi County's leadership to address systemic weaknesses in governance and financial management. Whether the Sakaja administration can restore public confidence and implement meaningful reforms remains to be seen, but the spotlight on City Hall has never been brighter.
A recent audit report has raised significant concerns about the hiring practices of the Nairobi County government under Governor Johnson Sakaja, revealing that approximately 3800 employees were recruited irregularly during the financial year ending June 2023. The Auditor General's findings have sparked questions about transparency, compliance with employment regulations, and the management of public resources in the county.
The audit, which scrutinized the county's operations, highlighted several discrepancies in the recruitment process for the 3800 staff members. According to the report, these hires were made without adhering to proper procedures, including a lack of competitive recruitment processes and inadequate documentation to justify the appointments. The absence of clear records raises concerns about whether these employees were qualified for their roles or if the positions were necessary to meet the county's operational needs.
Furthermore, the audit revealed that some of the recruited staff were assigned to roles without clear job descriptions or evidence of vacancies, pointing to potential mismanagement or favoritism in the hiring process. This has led to speculation about whether the recruitment was driven by political or personal interests rather than public service requirements.
The irregular hiring of 3800 employees has significant financial consequences for Nairobi County. The audit report noted that the county's wage bill has ballooned, straining its budget and diverting funds from critical development projects. The additional staff, many of whom were hired without proper authorization, have contributed to an unsustainable payroll, raising questions about the county's ability to deliver essential services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The report also flagged discrepancies in salary payments, including instances where employees received allowances and benefits that were not properly documented or justified. For example, some staff were paid arrears ranging from substantial amounts, with no clear explanation of the basis for these payments. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns about potential misuse of public funds.
Beyond the hiring irregularities, the audit pointed to broader governance challenges within Nairobi County's administration. The report criticized the county for failing to adhere to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for the Public Service, which sets standards for recruitment, remuneration, and employee management. Specifically, the audit found that some employees were earning salaries below the required minimum threshold, while others received payments that exceeded allowable limits.
Additionally, the county's failure to meet inclusivity targets was highlighted. The audit revealed that only 1.25 percent of the county's workforce comprises persons with disabilities, falling short of the mandated 5 percent as stipulated by the Disability Act of 2003. This oversight underscores a lack of commitment to diversity and inclusion in the county's employment practices.
Governor Sakaja's administration has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the audit findings. However, county officials have previously defended their hiring practices, arguing that the recruitment was necessary to address staffing shortages in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and public works. They have also claimed that efforts are underway to streamline operations and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Critics, however, argue that these explanations do not adequately address the audit's concerns. Local leaders and civil society groups have called for greater accountability, urging the county to conduct a thorough review of its recruitment processes and take corrective action to prevent future irregularities. Some have also demanded an independent investigation to determine whether the hiring practices violated legal or ethical standards.
The irregular hiring is part of a larger pattern of financial and governance challenges facing Nairobi County. Previous audit reports have flagged billions of shillings in questionable spending, including issues with procurement, double payments, and unaccounted-for funds. For instance, the county's school feeding program, known as "Dishi na County," came under scrutiny for overpayments to suppliers, while the transfer of funds to the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services raised questions about transparency.
These recurring issues have eroded public trust in the county's leadership and sparked debates about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. The Auditor General has emphasized the need for stronger internal controls and adherence to procurement and employment regulations to safeguard public resources.
The audit findings have prompted calls for urgent reforms within Nairobi County's administration. Stakeholders, including residents, business leaders, and advocacy groups, are demanding greater transparency in how the county manages its workforce and finances. Some have suggested that the county adopt digital systems to track recruitment and payroll processes, reducing opportunities for irregularities.
Additionally, there is growing pressure on the national government and oversight bodies, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, to intervene and ensure accountability. The commission has already launched investigations into past financial mismanagement in the county, and the latest audit findings may intensify scrutiny of Sakaja's administration.
As Nairobi County grapples with the fallout from the audit report, the focus is shifting toward corrective measures and long-term solutions. The county government faces the challenge of balancing the need for adequate staffing with the imperative to maintain fiscal responsibility and comply with legal standards. For residents, the priority is ensuring that public funds are used effectively to deliver services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The Auditor General's report serves as a wake-up call for Nairobi County's leadership to address systemic weaknesses in governance and financial management. Whether the Sakaja administration can restore public confidence and implement meaningful reforms remains to be seen, but the spotlight on City Hall has never been brighter.