Kitui County, Kenya: On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the office of Kitui County Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe released the following statement, as provided by Boniface Mulu:

Kitui County Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe has forwarded the nominees for the positions of County Secretary, County Attorney, and County Public Service Board Secretary to the County Assembly for vetting. The announcement was made during a press conference held in the Kitui County Governor’s Office Boardroom on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Governor Malombe stated, “Having received the report of the Selection Panel for the recruitment on Monday, August 4, 2025, I considered its recommendations and subsequently forwarded the names of three nominees to the County Assembly.” The nominees are Agnes Kawila Mulewa for County Secretary, Timothy Kyalo Muange for County Attorney, and Christopher Okumu Ombunya for Secretary of the County Public Service Board.

As provided under Section 15(b) of the Kenya’s County Governments (Amendment) Act, 2020, the Selection Panel submitted the names of the two top-ranked candidates per position to the governor for consideration. Governor Malombe confirmed he nominated the candidate ranked first in each of the three positions.

The vacancies were initially advertised in two newspapers of national circulation and on the Kitui County government website on June 30, 2025. A total of 63 valid applications were received: 28 for County Secretary, 11 for County Attorney, and 24 for Secretary to the County Public Service Board.

In its recommendations, the Selection Panel evaluated the statutory requirements for each office and considered the nominees’ credentials, abilities, experience, and overall suitability for the roles based on their interview scores and ranking.

Governor Malombe reiterated that the nominations are consistent with the values and principles under Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, which promote equality, non-discrimination, and equitable representation of the country’s diverse communities in public service. The goal is to foster inclusivity and provide opportunities for persons from all ethnic backgrounds to be employed and advance in their careers.

The governor concluded by wishing the nominees successful vetting and approval, after which he will formally appoint them to their respective positions.

Governor Malombe was accompanied at the press conference by his deputy, Augustine Wambua Kanani, and several county officials, including Ministers Richard John Mwendandu (Environment), Rose Mawia Mutuku (Trade), Joyce Kasyoka Masila (Education), Engineer Reuben Mulwa Itiko (Roads), Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele (Agriculture), Ruth Koki Mwanzia (Health), Peter Mwikya Kilonzo (Finance), Fredrick Kimanga (Lands), and Phoebe Ndunyu Mutemi (Youth).