Homa Bay County Government is a progressive and forward-looking county administration committed to delivering effective public service and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through innovative and sustainable development. As part of the county’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance service delivery, the County Public Service Board is pleased to announce a vacancy in the Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The County Government is seeking to recruit a qualified, dedicated, and experienced individual to fill the role of Deputy Director Physical and Land Use Planning. This strategic position plays a vital role in guiding the county’s spatial planning agenda, ensuring that land use and urban development are effectively managed and aligned with long-term economic, social, and environmental goals.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about physical and land use planning and who possess a wealth of technical and leadership experience in urban and regional development. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the Director of Urban Development and will be instrumental in spearheading planning initiatives that shape the county’s urban and rural development landscape.
Position Title: Deputy Director Physical and Land Use Planning
Job Group: Q
Location: Homa Bay County
Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
Remuneration: As per Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Guidelines
Number of Positions: 1
Job Overview
The Deputy Director Physical and Land Use Planning will be deployed at the County Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development. The officer will be responsible for initiating, preparing, monitoring, and implementing physical and land use plans in line with both the county’s development agenda and the provisions of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019. The role includes providing strategic planning guidance, coordinating research, ensuring effective land use, and enforcing planning policies and standards.
This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in land use planning and urban development matters, a strategic thinker capable of leading technical planning teams, and someone who is committed to public service and sustainable development practices.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake the following key responsibilities:
- Development and Implementation of Plans
- Initiating, preparing, and overseeing the implementation of county and local physical and land use development plans.
- Ensuring that planning activities are aligned with the county’s integrated development plan and national spatial planning frameworks.
- Policy Formulation and Review
- Formulating county-specific physical and land use planning policies, guidelines, and standards.
- Periodically reviewing and updating planning regulations and policies to reflect evolving development needs and statutory requirements.
- Development Control and Advisory
- Providing expert advice on development applications, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, land use guidelines, and development control standards.
- Issuing development permissions and other control instruments under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, with approval from the relevant county executive committee member.
- Communicating the county government’s decisions on development applications to relevant stakeholders.
- Research and Planning Strategy
- Undertaking technical research and feasibility studies related to physical and land use planning.
- Recommending the establishment and operationalization of planning units within the county based on research findings and strategic development priorities.
- Technical Support and Liaison
- Offering technical advice to government agencies and private sector developers on planning proposals, subdivision, change of use, extension of use, amalgamation of land, and lease extensions.
- Serving as a key liaison between the county government and stakeholders involved in planning and land management matters.
- Land Information Systems
- Establishing and maintaining a reliable land information management system to support decision-making in physical and land use planning.
- Integrating GIS and other digital tools for spatial data collection, storage, and dissemination.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Leading the monitoring and evaluation of physical and land use planning projects and programs at the county level.
- Assessing the effectiveness and impact of implemented plans and recommending necessary adjustments for improvement.
- Capacity Building and Supervision
- Supervising planning officers and supporting their professional development through mentorship, training, and performance evaluation.
- Building internal capacity within the department through collaborative leadership and continuous knowledge sharing.
- Other Duties
- Performing any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor or the County Chief Officer from time to time.
Minimum Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must:
- Be a Kenyan citizen.
- Have served in the grade of Principal Physical Planner or a comparable and relevant position in the public or private sector as per the Physical Planning Personnel Scheme of Service.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Urban and Regional Planning, Town Planning, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
- Possess at least seven years of post-qualification professional experience in physical and land use planning.
- Be a corporate member of the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP), Architectural Association of Kenya (Town Planning Chapter), or Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), in good standing.
- Be registered as a physical planner under the Physical Planners Registration Act, 1996, and be in good standing with the relevant professional body.
- Hold a certificate in Senior Management Course lasting not less than four weeks from a recognized institution.
- Hold a certificate in computer application skills from a recognized institution.
- Have demonstrated professional competence and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
- Not have been disqualified under the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution or any other written law.
Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit the following documents as proof of compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010:
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Compliance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
- Clearance Certificate from a licensed Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
Important Notes to All Applicants
- Additional details, including comprehensive job descriptions and responsibilities, are available on the official Homa Bay County Government website: www.homabay.go.ke
- Applicants are advised that 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 encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application letters, accompanied by detailed curriculum vitae (CV), academic and professional certificates, testimonials, and a copy of the national identity card or passport.
Applications may be submitted:
- Online: Through the official Homa Bay County Government career portal at https://www.homabay.go.ke/career/
- Physically: Delivered by hand to the Homa Bay County Public Service Board offices in Homa Bay Town
- Via Post: Send applications by post to the following address:
The Office of the Ag. Chief Executive Officer
Homa Bay County Public Service Board
P.O. Box 95 – 40300
HOMA BAY
Applicants should clearly indicate the position applied for on the top of the envelope.
All applications must be received by April 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
