The County Government of Homa Bay, in its continuous pursuit to strengthen its human capital base and enhance delivery of quality services to its residents, invites qualified and passionate professionals to apply for the vacant position of Director, Urban Development. This recruitment is in line with the County’s commitment to enhancing urban planning and development processes in a structured, inclusive, and sustainable manner.
The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in shaping urban development policies, planning initiatives, and infrastructure strategies that align with both county and national development goals. As the county continues to urbanize rapidly, there is a heightened need for innovative and resilient urban systems that cater to a diverse and growing population.
This position offers a rare opportunity to contribute significantly to the transformation of urban spaces within Homa Bay County through planning excellence, strategic stakeholder engagement, and execution of impactful projects.
The position falls under Job Group R and will be offered on a permanent and pensionable basis, with remuneration governed by the guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Job Description
Position Title: Director Urban Development
Location: Homa Bay County
Reports To: Chief Officer, Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development
Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
Remuneration: As per SRC guidelines
Job Group: R
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Preparation and Implementation of Urban Development Plans
The Director will be responsible for overseeing the formulation, evaluation, and execution of urban development plans within the county. This involves ensuring that these plans are in alignment with national development blueprints, Vision 2030, the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), and other legal frameworks. These plans should consider long-term growth, environmental sustainability, land use planning, and resilience against climate change. - Review and Approval of Urban Projects
The Director shall review and recommend various urbanization and development projects to the county government for consideration and approval. This includes vetting project proposals for compliance with development control regulations, resource allocation guidelines, and community needs assessments. - Mainstreaming Gender and Social Inclusion
The office will ensure the integration of gender perspectives and inclusive practices in the development and implementation of urban programs. The Director will provide policy direction and technical support to ensure that urban development initiatives do not marginalize vulnerable populations including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities. - Legislative Review and Policy Formulation
A critical responsibility will include the evaluation and recommendation of legislative frameworks related to urbanization and land development. This entails updating existing laws and drafting new ones that are responsive to emerging urban challenges and aligned with devolved governance structures. - Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
The Director will lead collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders such as national government ministries and agencies, development partners, the private sector, community-based organizations, and international agencies. These partnerships are aimed at mobilizing resources, co-developing urban solutions, and facilitating investment in infrastructure and service delivery. - Resource Management and Budget Oversight
The Director will oversee the budgeting, financial planning, and expenditure monitoring of all urban development projects. The role demands a strong understanding of fiscal discipline, value-for-money principles, and public procurement laws to ensure resources are managed transparently and effectively. - Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular assessments of all urban development projects will be conducted under the leadership of the Director to ensure they remain on schedule, within budget, and deliver intended social and economic impacts. This includes establishing key performance indicators, reporting structures, and feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. - Research and Development
The office is expected to champion and support applied research on urban issues such as land use change, housing demand, infrastructure development, and transportation. The Director will evaluate research findings and recommend relevant innovations or policy adjustments. - Advisory on Best Practices
The Director shall coordinate expert advisory services and provide technical support on matters related to sustainable urbanization. This includes benchmarking global best practices, adapting modern technologies, and encouraging smart city approaches tailored to the county context. - Technology and Innovation Integration
Emphasis will be placed on integrating modern technology in planning, project design, and service delivery. This includes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), smart mobility solutions, and digital platforms for stakeholder engagement and transparency. - Localization of International Urban Agenda
The Director will oversee the domestication of international frameworks such as the New Urban Agenda, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and the Paris Climate Accord into county development strategies. - Intergovernmental Urban Projects
The role requires identifying, developing, and managing joint urban projects between the national and county government, especially in areas related to infrastructure development, housing, waste management, and urban resilience. - Capacity Building
The Director will facilitate and coordinate professional development, mentorship, and technical training for urban planning officers, municipal boards, and technical committees. These efforts aim to build internal capacity to manage complex urban development challenges. - Other Duties
The Director shall perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor from time to time, which align with the objectives of the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development.
Requirements for Appointment
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Kenya.
- Have a minimum of seven (7) years of post-qualification experience in urban development and engineering works.
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Urban & Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Design, Land Economics, Architecture, Environmental Planning and Management, or equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya.
- Possession of a Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
- Be registered as a Physical Planner or Engineer with the relevant professional body under the Physical Planners Registration Act 1996 or Engineers Board of Kenya.
- Be a corporate member in good standing with one of the following: Kenya Institute of Planners, Architectural Association of Kenya (Town Planning Chapter), Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), or the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
- Have successfully completed a Senior Management Course lasting at least four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
- Be proficient in computer applications relevant to urban planning and development.
- Demonstrate administrative ability and professional competence necessary for the effective performance of duties at this level.
- Exhibit a thorough understanding of national development goals and demonstrate the ability to align them with urban development strategies.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
Chapter Six Compliance
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Clearance Certificate from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Compliance Certificate
- Clearance Certificate from a licensed Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
Additional Information
- Further details and official job descriptions are available on the Homa Bay County Government website at www.homabay.go.ke
- Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Homa Bay County is an equal opportunity employer. Women, youth, and persons living with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications together with detailed curriculum vitae, academic and professional certificates, testimonials, and a copy of the national identity card or passport. Applications can be submitted either:
- Online via the Homa Bay County website:
https://www.homabay.go.ke/career/ - Or physically delivered to:
The Office of the Ag. The Chief Executive Officer
Homa Bay County Public Service Board
P.O. Box 95 – 40300
HOMA BAY
Applicants must indicate the position applied for clearly on top of the envelope.
All applications should be received no later than April 2, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
