Stricken by falling revenue, North Rift counties have recalled most staff members to resume work, except for those aged 58 and older and those who are ill.
Most employees had been sent home and told to work from there to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The eight counties in the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) have recorded more than 480 positive cases.
The counties estimate they have lost more than Sh10 billion in internal revenue, including land rates, trade licensing fees, market charges, parking fees, cess from crops and other revenue.
The losses have accumulated since March when the pandemic broke out, forcing most counties to shut down almost all operations, including revenue collection.
A spot check indicates many of the workers who had been sent home are back on duty in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot and elsewhere.
The counties have issued strict return-to-work guidelines, including working in shifts to avoid crowding, and other protocols such as wearing masks, hand washing and physical distancing.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, is also the Noreb chairman, said reopening the economy will ensure Kenyans continue to work while adhering to health protocols.
“The national government is clearly indicating it is now upon each one of us to take self-responsibility so we go on with our work while observing safety measures,” Mandago said.
He said Covid-19 had destabilised operations in all counties but they were working with stakeholders to put in place economic recovery strategies.
We are, for example, working with the county assemblies to put in place stimulus packages ensuring each key sector is supported to return to normalcy,” Mandago said.
Uasin Gishu had aimed to collect more than Sh1 billion internal revenue but recorded a drop of more than 50 per cent. Other counties also recorded losses of more than 50 per cent.
Mandago also praised health workers for handling the Covid-19 situation and said they had done an exemplary job in prevention and treatment.
(Edited by V. Graham)
