After an arduous three-year administrative vacuum, Kitui County has finally sworn in a substantive County Secretary and a County Attorney, signaling a pivotal reset in local governance.

The corridors of power in Kitui breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday as the county government filled its most critical legal and administrative voids. For 36 months, the absence of substantive officeholders crippled policy execution and exposed the county to immense legal liabilities.

This bureaucratic milestone is not merely a local administrative reshuffle; it represents a crucial restoration of constitutional order in one of Kenya's largest devolved units. It ensures that the millions of shillings allocated for grassroots development can now be managed with strict legal and operational oversight.

The Cost of the Vacuum

Operating with acting personnel in these dual roles severely restricted Kitui County's ability to negotiate contracts, defend itself against litigations, and implement long-term strategic plans. The paralysis stalled vital infrastructure projects and left the administration vulnerable to predatory contractors and protracted disputes.

Restoring Administrative Rigour

The newly sworn-in officials, alongside the secretary to the Kitui County Public Service Board, face a monumental backlog. Their immediate mandate requires a forensic review of all temporary agreements signed over the past three years. Key focus areas include:

• Auditing pending bills amounting to hundreds of millions of KES.
• Streamlining the county's procurement processes to align with the Public Finance Management Act.
• Providing sound legal counsel against ongoing civil suits facing the county executive.

A Win for Devolution

Devolution hinges on robust institutional frameworks. The protracted delay in Kitui underscored the fragility of county governments when subjected to political infighting and bureaucratic red tape. Governor Julius Malombe's administration now possesses the requisite legal armour to fulfill its developmental pledges without the shadow of administrative illegitimacy.

Moving Forward

With the 2027 elections looming on the horizon, the operational efficiency of the county executive will be placed under the microscope by the electorate. The new appointees must hit the ground running. "This is the dawn of accountability and decisive action for the people of Kitui," an official noted during the swearing-in ceremony.