Meru governor Isaac Mutuma (right) and his predecessor Kawira Mwangaza.
Meru governor Isaac Mutuma has reinstated various staff goodies that were withdrawn in 2023 by his predecessor Kawira Mwangaza as part of austerity measures.
Mr Mutuma, who has accused the previous administration of mistreating, intimidating and demeaning workers, ordered his new executive committee to prioritise the welfare of staff at all levels.
The workers will now start enjoying a cup of tea and snacks in the office, airtime allowances as well as study leave.
In a supplementary budget presented to the assembly in March 2023, the former governor withdrew staff airtime and travel allowances as well as tea and snacks budget, in a move she said would reduce recurrent expenditure.
For the first time since the inception of devolution, county workers had to make do without office tea while senior officers had to survive without airtime allowances.
The supplementary budget did away with more than Sh 24 million in airtime allowances for top executive officials.
Travel budget shed off more than Sh20 million while office hospitality and catering had more than Sh21 million cut.
"We are keen on doing away with unnecessary expenditure to release money for development. As a member of the executive, I also don't have airtime allowance. We have also avoided unnecessary travel costs," finance executive Monica Kathono said in 2023.
Workers protested silently, saying the measures were “draconian” although they would not dare speak out.
“It was terrible. How do you explain withdrawing an item like tea in an office? Even offices in the national government offer tea to their staff. It was the height of impunity. Office tea might look something small but administrators who introduced it knew its value,” said a worker who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Mr Mutuma now blames the austerity measures, staff harassment and unresolved labour issues for contributing to low staff morale under his predecessor.
"Why should you deny staff their rightful share of tea? I direct the executive committee members and directors to ensure those under them have tea in office," he said.
Addressing more than 6,000 workers during a county staff meeting on Friday, Mr Mutuma said his administration had fast tracked payment of salary arrears and pending statutory deductions.
"I am aware that under the former regime, you were harassed, victimised and bullied. I am taking over a wounded and demoralised public service. However, we have a plan to transform our county public service," Mr Mutuma said.
"Within the one month I was in office, I have ensured all salaries and benefits are up to date. We have also effected 155 promotions that were pending. More promotions will be effected soon," he added.
Mr Mutuma said his administration is also ensuring workers and their families have access to a good medical cover.
"We are also fast-tracking the development of Early Childhood Development Education teachers' and enforcement officers' schemes of service. We are also working on the staff establishment and public service management manual," he said.
The governor also ordered his staff against engaging in politics saying that those who undermined him as deputy governor were having a hard time to apologise.
He said administrators have in the past used their positions and influenced to vilify elected leaders in the name of defending the governor.
"Don't try to catch the governor's eye by insulting elected leaders. The best way to defend me is serving the people of Meru. Those interested in politics must wait for 2027 and resign," the governor said.
