The County Executive Committee (CEC) Members are appointed by the Governor and approved by the County Assembly. They serve as heads of county departments, similar to Cabinet Secretaries at the national level.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 35 of the County Governments Act outlines the qualifications and appointment process for CEC members.
🔷 Qualifications for Appointment
To qualify for appointment as a County Executive Committee Member (CECM), a person must:
✔ Be a Kenyan citizen.
✔ Hold at least a first degree from a recognized university in Kenya.
✔ Satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
✔ Have at least five years of experience in a relevant field related to the county department they will be appointed to.
✔ Not hold any other State or Public Office.
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
🔹 Considerations for Appointment
When appointing CEC Members, the Governor must ensure:
✔ Community and cultural diversity of the county is reflected.
✔ Affirmative action principles are applied (gender, minorities, marginalized groups).
✔ Not more than two-thirds of either gender are appointed.
✔ Representation of minorities and marginalized groups in the county.
▶ The County Assembly shall NOT approve nominees if the appointment fails to meet these diversity and inclusivity requirements.
🔴 Grounds for Removal of a CEC Member
A Member of the County Assembly (MCA), with support from at least one-third of MCAs, may propose a motion for dismissal of a CEC member on the following grounds:
🔹 Incompetence.
🔹 Abuse of office.
🔹 Gross misconduct.
🔹 Failure to attend three consecutive CEC meetings without Governor’s approval.
🔹 Physical or mental incapacity preventing performance of duties.
🔹 Gross violation of the Constitution or any other law.
▶ Legal Reference: Section 40(2) of the County Governments Act.
🔷 Exercise of Executive Authority by the County Executive Committee
The CEC exercises executive authority in line with:
✔ The Constitution and relevant national & county laws.
✔ Principles of devolution (Articles 174 & 175 of the Constitution).
✔ Protection of the rights of minorities & marginalized groups.
✔ Promotion of gender equity.
✔ Equitable sharing of county resources.
✔ Enhancing community self-governance in development programs.
✔ Promoting social and economic development for county residents.
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ CEC Members are appointed by the Governor and approved by the County Assembly.
✅ Must have a degree, integrity clearance, and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
✅ Appointments must reflect diversity, gender balance, and affirmative action.
✅ MCAs can initiate removal for incompetence, abuse of office, or misconduct.
✅ CEC exercises executive authority to implement county policies and development plans.
🔴 Conclusion:
County Executive Committee Members play a crucial role in implementing policies, managing departments, and driving development at the county level. Their appointment must follow constitutional principles, ensuring fair representation, professionalism, and accountability. 🚀
