The Human Resource Management Department, led by Acting Director Madam Susan Raba, has reported a positive response to the ongoing staff skills audit. As of 9:00 a.m. on March 26th, 2025, 784 male (41%) and 1,070 female (59%) had participated in the process leading to a total of 1823 members already audited. The audit that concludes on 28th March 2025 targets all 3,500 staff currently on the payroll, including both permanent and contract-based employees.
Participation varies across sub-counties, based on staff members’ counties of origin. Alego Usonga leads with 449 participants (25%), followed by Gem with 287 (16%), Bondo with 281 (15%), Rarieda with 120 (7%), and Ugenya with 101 (6%). Additionally, 482 staff members from outside Siaya County have registered, representing both genders.
The Human Resources Directorate has urged the remaining staff to submit their details promptly, as the deadline approaches. Madam Raba praised those who have complied, emphasizing that the audit is mandatory for all employees. She cautioned that failure to participate could result in administrative action.
The exercise is currently underway in Rarieda Sub-County, with Ugunja scheduled for Thursday, March 27th, and Ugenya concluding the week-long audit on Friday, March 28th. Initiated by the Governance, Administration and ICT and Human Resource Directorate in collaboration with the Siaya County Public Service Board, this audit is supported by the Kenya Devolution Support Program II (KDSP II) and the World Bank.
Its objectives are multifaceted: to eliminate staff duplications, reduce an inflated wage bill, and ensure employees are placed in appropriate departments to enhance service delivery. The audit will also identify staffing shortages, potentially calling for additional recruitment, and address the issue of "ghost workers". Furthermore, it aims to review staff performance, address gaps in the organogram, and establish a clear chain of command to improve workflow, communication, and productivity.
The audit also seeks to align staffing ratios with the Siaya County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, targeting a 70:30 staff distribution ratio while integrating benchmarks such as the Nyalore Manifesto and other strategic county plans.
According to the Acting Director, the process will enable the Human Resources Department to develop a comprehensive staff database, identify training needs, and enhance skills and expertise for effective service delivery. By analyzing surpluses and deficits, the audit will bolster succession management, rapid results initiatives, and departmental efficiency, ensuring alignment with the County Government’s objectives and policies.
Employees are required to bring academic certificates, ID cards, and other relevant documents for verification by officers stationed at designated audit points. This initiative marks a significant step toward improving staff operations, welfare, and overall organizational performance in Siaya County.