Malombe appoints 26 chief officers but blocks four in court

Kitui governor Julius Malombe has forwarded 26 names to the County Assembly for vetting and possible approval as Chief Officers.

Addressing the press after releasing the names, the governor said that he nominated for appointment candidates that were ranked highest by the County Public Service Board after the interviews.

He said that besides education qualifications and leadership experience, he had also observed the two thirds gender rule, considered youth inclusion and regional balance.

"All the eight constituencies have at least one nominee. Eight of them are women with one coming from minority community in the county," the governor said. He said youths had a place to serve in his administration with seven slots going to people aged 35 and below.

At the same time, the governor announced that he will not be appointing four Chief Officers even after their successful approval by the County Assembly pending the determination of a court case lodged by four current chief officers who were inherited from Charity Ngilu's administration.

The four obtained temporary conservatory orders after filing an application in which they argued that Ngilu appointed them to office on permanent and pensionable terms. Malombe said he will comply with the court order until the matter is determined. Last week, the assembly concluded vetting 10 individuals who have been nominated to server as county executive commitee members.