Isiolo launches staff audit after records destroyed in suspected arson attack

The Isiolo County Public Service Board has begun a comprehensive audit of all county employees and the reconstruction of staff files.

The move follows a suspectd arson incident that destroyed records during last year’s political turmoil surrounding the attempted impeachment of Governor Abdi Guyo.

The exercise, which began on Tuesday, seeks to restore critical personnel data lost when the county registry was set ablaze.

The audit is also expected to address concerns over possible irregularities on the county payroll, with board officials making physical verification mandatory for all employees.

Health workers were the first to undergo the headcount and file reconstruction process at Isiolo County Referral Hospital.

Speaking at the launch, Board Vice Chairperson Angeline Aboto said the initiative was necessary to rebuild vital records used in key human resource decisions.

“The arson incident led to the loss of crucial staff records. These particulars are what the board relies on when considering promotions, redesignations and transfers,” Aboto said.

“Without accurate records, it becomes extremely difficult to manage human resource functions effectively and fairly.”

She described the destruction of files as a major setback that disrupted administrative operations and affected employees seeking career progression.

To prevent a similar loss in future, Aboto said the board would introduce a multi-layered filing system combining physical and digital storage.

“We are establishing a registry with three hard copies of each staff member’s academic and personal documents, in addition to a digital file,” she said.

“One file will remain with the Public Service Board, another will be kept in the respective department, and the third will be stored at the Public Service Management office. The digital backup will provide an additional layer of security.”

Board member Karayu Jillo urged staff to cooperate fully, warning that failure to appear in person with the required documents would attract consequences in line with public service regulations.

“This is not a routine exercise. Every employee must present themselves physically and provide the necessary documentation,” Jillo said.

“Any employee who fails to turn up will be subject to review in accordance with county public service procedures.”

The headcount and file reconstruction will be conducted at sub-county level to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

After completing the exercise in Isiolo Sub-county, the team will move to Garbatula, then Merti, before concluding in Oldonyiro Sub-county. Officials estimate the process will take between three and four weeks.

Health workers who participated in the first phase welcomed the move, saying it would restore order and transparency in human resource management.

“This is a positive step,” said one health worker at the referral hospital.

“Some of us have been waiting for promotions and transfers, and without proper files it was almost impossible to process those requests. Rebuilding the registry gives us hope that merit will now be properly considered.”

Another staff member said the verification exercise would enhance accountability within the county workforce.

“If there are irregularities, this is the time to address them. It protects public resources and ensures genuine staff are recognised,” the worker said.

The audit comes months after political tensions disrupted county operations and led to the destruction of key infrastructure, including the registry.

Although calm has since returned, the loss of employee records has continued to hamper administrative functions.

County officials expressed optimism that the reconstruction process would not only restore lost data but also strengthen institutional safeguards against future disruptions.

“We are turning a difficult chapter into an opportunity to build a more resilient and accountable system,” Aboto said.

“This exercise is about transparency, fairness and protecting both employees and public resources.”

Once completed, the board expects the new registry system to streamline promotions, transfers and other personnel decisions, marking what it describes as a fresh start for the county’s public service management.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The Isiolo County Public Service Board’s staff audit and file reconstruction follow the destruction of records during unrest linked to the attempted impeachment of Governor Abdi Guyo. Beyond recovering lost data, the exercise seeks to verify personnel records and introduces triple hard-copy and digital backups. The move signals an effort to strengthen payroll controls, enhance transparency and rebuild administrative systems after a period of political instability disrupted county operations.