The County Government of Uasin Gishu County has begun implementing a comprehensive performance appraisal management system targeting all county staff, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and accelerate service delivery under the “Nguzo Kumi” development blueprint.
The exercise, which is being rolled out across departments, is aligned with the administration of Governor Jonathan Bii and focuses on evaluating progress made against set targets at different levels of county leadership and service implementation.
Focus on roads and public works
While presiding over the appraisal session at the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works, Chief Officer Geoffrey Tanui underscored the importance of involving individual employees in performance evaluation processes.
Tanui noted that the exercise is not merely an assessment tool but a strategic mechanism aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring the success of county programmes.
“I’m happy that we are undertaking this exercise because it will help us improve our services,” Tanui said, emphasizing that staff participation is key to achieving tangible development outcomes.
He further highlighted the urgency of fast-tracking service delivery, particularly following a mid-year performance review designed to assess departmental progress and identify gaps requiring intervention.
Anchored on the Nguzo Kumi agenda
According to county officials, the appraisal process is anchored on the Governor’s “Nguzo Kumi” agenda — a manifesto described as a social contract between the administration and residents of Uasin Gishu.
Governor Bii had previously committed to delivering transformative projects across sectors, and the performance appraisal system is expected to ensure that county employees remain aligned with these development priorities.
The exercise has been cascaded from the top leadership, after County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and Directors signed performance contracts aimed at enhancing accountability and measurable results.
Strengthening accountability and merit-Based progression
The Directorate of Performance Management and Training, led by Assistant Director Wilfred Nyabando, facilitated the appraisal sessions. Officers from the directorate guided staff through critical aspects of performance evaluation, target setting, and reporting mechanisms.
Nyabando noted that the appraisal outcomes will not only measure departmental milestones but also inform merit-based rating systems for employee progression.
County officials described the ongoing review as a critical step toward institutionalizing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the public service.
Emphasis on SMART targets
Participants were reminded to ensure that all performance targets adhere to the SMART framework — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Officials emphasized that practical and attainable goals are essential for effective implementation and meaningful results. They reiterated that while departments operate in different sectors, they share a common objective: delivering quality services to residents and achieving measurable development outcomes.
Optimism among staff
County officials expressed optimism that the appraisal exercise would help employees refine their objectives and better align them with the broader county development agenda.
With the system now being implemented across departments, the County Government of Uasin Gishu aims to create a results-oriented workforce capable of delivering on its commitments and enhancing public confidence in devolved governance.
The appraisal exercise is expected to continue in the coming weeks as more departments complete their reviews and align their performance contracts with the county’s strategic goals under Nguzo Kumi.
