Mombasa County Assembly adopts HR report to enhance service delivery

The Mombasa County Assembly has taken a decisive step forward in addressing critical issues plaguing the county's administration by adopting the report on Human Resource Gaps in County Departments.

Delivered in a motion put forth by the Chairperson of the Labour and Public Administration Committee, Jacktone Madialo, the report sheds light on systemic challenges that have hindered efficient service delivery within various county departments.

Madialo's submission highlighted a range of pressing concerns unearthed by the committee's investigations including that of understaffing, a pervasive issue that has severely hampered the ability of county departments to fulfil their mandates effectively.

"The findings reveal a concerning trend of understaffing, inadequate succession planning, and neglect of staff well-being, impeding effective service delivery," Chairperson Jacktone Madialo said during the motion.

This highlighted the urgency and gravity of the challenges facing Mombasa's administrative apparatus, setting the stage for concerted action to address these pressing issues.

Moreover, the report underscored the glaring absence of adequate succession planning mechanisms within county departments.

“This deficiency has resulted in the recurrent practice of engaging retirees on contractual terms, effectively denying employment opportunities to the youth demographic. The failure to cultivate a pipeline of qualified successors not only perpetuates inefficiencies but also exacerbates unemployment challenges among the region's burgeoning youth population,” he said.

In addition to staffing concerns, the committee's findings shed light on deficiencies in staff capacity building and motivation.

Systemic failures

The committee noted without adequate training and support systems in place, existing personnel are often ill-equipped to navigate the evolving demands of their roles, further impeding service delivery and eroding public trust in administrative functions.

The report further highlighted systemic failures in communication channels within county departments, exacerbating operational inefficiencies and fostering a climate of confusion and disarray.

Madialo stated addressing this issue is paramount to fostering cohesion and coordination across various administrative units, thereby enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.

Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri (centre) during a meeting with the delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) at his office. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

A particularly concerning revelation from the report pertains to the neglect of staff welfare issues, including mental health support and substance abuse counselling.

The absence of comprehensive policies to address these critical concerns was revealed not only jeopardises the well-being of county employees but also undermines their capacity to perform optimally in their roles.

The motion to adopt the report received overwhelming support from other honourable members.

The session also included a delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) headed by Grace Banya who discussed with Speaker Aharub Khatri the development of Mombasa County Policy on the Elimination of Child Labour.

Banya emphasised that the ILO's mission is to promote the enforcement of laws and policies regarding child labour, forced labour, trafficking, and unacceptable work conditions, as well as to enhance support services for victims of child labour.

She highlighted that the legal framework aims to bolster governments' capacity to address work conditions and formulate anti-child labour policies in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Speaker Aharub committed to supporting the project's goals, especially in preparation for the World Day Against Child Labour celebrations scheduled for June 2024 in Mombasa.