Tension is rife within the Huduma Kenya Secretariat, as reports of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds continue to churn out from Huduma Centres in every corner of the country.
Over the past few days, this blog has been highlighting the plight of demotivated Huduma staff who have lost confidence in the administrative delegation headed by CEO James Buyekane.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Rot Inside Huduma Kenya Secretariat
The Secretariat controls finance, service delivery and procurement departments from Nairobi, with little oversight on the ground.
Insiders disclosed that greedy County Commissioners who operate as patrons of the centres have been liaising with their juniors to divert all the funds from the top office into their pockets.
This leaves most of the centres critically underfunded, despite the state establishment enjoying a budget of over Sh1Bn.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Corrupt County Commissioners Siphoning Huduma Kenya Funds Under The Nose Of EACC
Employees are also constantly grappling with delayed salaries, but surprisingly, those higher above the hierarchy always receive theirs on time.
Those working shifts have to work 7 days a week, with no off days.
Anyone that dares ask questions faces immediate reprehension.
Sources now inform us that since we started amplifying the voice of oppressed staff, the entire Secretariat is wallowing in panic and confusion, fearful that the whole world might soon know what transpires behind the scenes.
In fact, an order was recently sent out from the headquarters on 15th Floor, Lonrho House, to all branch administrators, directing them to restrict Wi-Fi access for employees, to prevent them from airing out their grievances via social media platforms.
“Hi Nyakundi,
Thank you for speaking up for us…
We have endured so much…freedom has come.
These Pharaohs who have enslaved us must get their comeuppance.
Since you broke this news, the bwenyenyes at Huduma Kenya have cut off Wi-Fi and blocked staff access to social media for staff as if we are somewhere in Uganda.
State capture and dictatorship is real here at Huduma Kenya.
The rot is worse than is being reported.
Wakubwa already paid themselves last month, but wadogo haven’t been paid yet and can sometimes go without salaries for months.
They’re now reading that the budget is 1 billion, where does it go?
Those working shifts have to work 7 days a week, with no off days.
If you complain about anything, punitive action is taken against you.
Many staff members who were seconded by other agencies have gone back, leaving thoroughly demotivated staff employed directly by Huduma.
This award-winning, internationally recognized public service innovation has been sucked dry by greedy bosses, and they are busy mismanaging the hell out of the empty shell that’s left.
President William Ruto needs to step in.
Imagine someone having to work a shift from 7 am to 9 pm daily.
You leave for work at night and get back home at night tired as a dog yet no pay for months and having to endure constant intimidation.
One would expect that personnel working under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender affairs would be the best treated, but it is the most vulnerable women and youth employed in droves by Huduma who are bearing the brunt of very vicious exploitation.
I don’t think CS Margaret Kobia who seems like a very empathetic Minister is aware of the games being played right under her nose.
Staff are putting on a brave face to serve wananchi, but they are really suffering,” the source says.
