Public service boards decry intimidation

The 47 County Public Services Boards (CPSBs) have accused county government executives and assemblies of interference and intimidation.

In a petition to the Council of Governors (CoG), CPSB National Consultative Forum Chairperson Phillip Kung'u said many boards have become dysfunctional.

"As the CPSB National Consultative Forum, we take a very serious view of this and have decided to petition CoG Chairman Peter Munya to have our concerns addressed with a view to finding solutions to these worrying trends," he said.

Mr Kung'u said they have been experiencing pressure to illegally provide confidential documents and records.

"In some cases, offices have been broken into to gain access. Another challenge is the denial of resources such as adequate funding, vehicles and equipment necessary to perform rightful duties with the aim of paralysing the board operations," he said.

He said they are taking the matter to the CoG for immediate attention following the emerging and worrying trends of serious interference, harassment, intimidation and open hostility towards the boards.

"It is evidenced by the several advisories that were issued in 2015 to county governors by the then Transition Authority (TA), Public Service Commission and Attorney General, clarifying the role and functions of different county positions," he said.

The forum accused Embu Governor Martin Wambora of unprocedurally removing the chairperson and secretary of the county's board.

In Bomet County, the executive is being accused of employing over 4,000 casuals without the authority of the board. On questioning the illegal hiring, the chairperson of the board has severally been subjected to impeachment threats and unnecessary grilling by the assembly.

Kungu said Mombasa's board chairman tendered his resignation citing frustration and interference from the executive.