Uasin Gishu Youths Protest Unfair Job Recruitment Process
A group of frustrated youths from Uasin Gishu County have raised their voices against what they describe as an unfair recruitment process conducted by the county government for 428 advertised job positions. Over 37,000 applicants, many of whom are qualified graduates, were left disheartened after the recent appointments were allegedly influenced by favoritism and corruption.
During a press conference, Nehemiah Kemboi, a representative for the youth, expressed their disappointment with Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration. “The process was not genuine,” Kemboi stated, highlighting how certain sub-counties received an unequal distribution of job slots. While some areas had only a few appointments, others reportedly received over a hundred, raising concerns about the criteria used for selection.
Youths criticized the appointment of individuals who, in their opinion, appeared to have been chosen for their connections rather than their qualifications. They pointed to a particularly controversial appointment of a candidate known only as “Felix,” which many believe exemplifies the lack of transparency in the process.
The job advertisement was released in January, with the list of successful candidates unveiled three months later. Many applicants, who had high hopes of securing employment, were left feeling cheated as they saw their peers rewarded based on political ties rather than merit. “It’s now ten months since the advert was made, and we demand justice,” Kemboi urged.
Ken Masoi, another local youth, lamented the broader implications of nepotism in hiring practices. “There is a sickness in the country where it matters who you know,” he said, calling on the governor to reconsider the appointments and the overall process. He further criticized the lack of representation for minority groups and people with disabilities, stating that the recruitment did not meet legal requirements.
As tensions rise, the youths have pledged to gather signatures to push for the impeachment of Governor Bii if their concerns are not addressed. They are calling for an audit of the recruitment process and a commitment to redo it fairly, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.
The group’s frustrations reflect a growing discontent among the youth in Uasin Gishu, who feel sidelined in a region rich in potential yet plagued by corruption. The residents are now urging President William Ruto to intervene, citing that his leadership is crucial for restoring integrity to the local governance.
In a passionate plea, the youths stated, “We want our voices heard. We are the future of Uasin Gishu County, and we deserve better.” They hope their campaign will compel the governor and the relevant authorities to take immediate action to rectify the recruitment process and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency.
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