The County Government of Vihiga, in line with the provisions of Section 44 as read together with Section 58A of the County Governments Act (Cap. 265), invites applications from qualified, visionary, result-driven, and self-motivated Kenyan citizens for appointment to the position of County Secretary. This is a unique leadership opportunity for an experienced professional to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, accountability, and service delivery of the county’s public service.
This position serves as the principal administrative officer of the county and is a key advisor to the Governor and the County Executive Committee on matters of policy coordination, service delivery, and operational planning.
The office of the County Secretary offers a high-impact leadership opportunity within a dynamic and evolving devolved governance system. The successful candidate will work closely with the County Governor, Deputy Governor, County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), and heads of departments to drive effective service delivery aligned with the county’s development agenda.
Position: County Secretary
Job Group: T
Number of Positions: One (1)
Terms of Service: 5-year contract (renewable once)
Salary: As prescribed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)
Duty Station: County Government Headquarters, Mbale – Vihiga County
Job Description – County Secretary
The County Secretary will serve as the head of the County Public Service and will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Head of County Public Service
- Provide strategic leadership in managing the County Public Service in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.
- Coordinate the activities and operations of the county departments and ensure alignment with the county’s policy framework and development priorities.
- County Executive Committee Coordination
- Arrange the business of the County Executive Committee.
- Prepare and maintain accurate minutes of County Executive Committee meetings in accordance with the directions of the committee.
- Ensure timely communication and implementation of decisions made by the County Executive Committee.
- Policy and Decision Communication
- Act as the principal conduit for conveying County Executive Committee decisions to departments, agencies, and relevant authorities for execution.
- Monitor and report on the implementation of these decisions.
- Strategic Planning and Oversight
- Oversee the development and implementation of county plans and policies.
- Guide county departments in preparing annual work plans and performance reports in line with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
- Advisory Role
- Serve as a chief advisor to the Governor and County Executive Committee on public service management and coordination.
- Represent the county in intergovernmental technical forums when delegated by the Governor.
- Compliance and Integrity Oversight
- Ensure that all county public service operations adhere to the constitutional principles of leadership and integrity, transparency, accountability, and public participation.
- Other Responsibilities
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Governor or County Executive Committee in accordance with the law.
Requirements for Appointment
To be considered for appointment to this prestigious role, an applicant must:
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Hold a degree from a university recognized in Kenya.
- Have a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience.
- Possess at least five (5) years’ experience in a senior management role either in public service or the private sector.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
Mandatory Application Documents
All applicants must submit certified copies of the following documents as part of their application:
- A cover letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Selection Panel.
- A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of National Identity Card or a valid passport.
- Certified copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and testimonials.
- Certified copies of registration certificates from relevant professional bodies (if any).
- For applicants with foreign degrees: an approval letter from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
- Chapter Six Compliance Documents:
- Valid clearance certificate from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Valid Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax compliance certificate
- Valid Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) clearance certificate
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) self-declaration form
- Clearance from the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce original copies of their ID, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, and Chapter Six documents during interviews.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Successful candidates shall appear before the relevant committee of the County Assembly of Vihiga for vetting.
- The County Government of Vihiga is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in the public service. Women, youth, and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- It is a criminal offense to present false documents or provide misleading information.
Refer to Attached PDF
For a comprehensive description of the job roles, duties, and responsibilities, candidates are advised to refer to the attached official PDF announcement from the County Government of Vihiga.
How to Apply
All applications must be clearly marked “Application for the Position of County Secretary” and submitted through any one of the following methods:
Manual Application
Deliver your hand-written or printed application to:
Office of the Governor
County Government Headquarters Building, 1st Floor
Mbale, Vihiga County
Postal Application
Send your application to:
The Chairperson
Selection Panel
Office of the Governor
County Government of Vihiga
P.O. BOX 344 – 50300
MARAGOLI
Online Application
Submit your application in PDF format only via email to:
[email protected]
Deadline for all applications: 7th May, 2025
Apply Now
For candidates submitting online, click the “Apply Now” button where available on the official county website to proceed with the digital submission process.
This is a prime leadership opportunity for a visionary public service professional to shape the strategic direction of one of Kenya’s vibrant counties. If you meet the above requirements and are passionate about public service leadership, we encourage you to apply.