County Chief Officers (CCOs) are key figures in county executive management, responsible for overseeing county departments. Their position is established under Section 45 of the County Governments Act.
🔹 Appointment of County Chief Officers
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of a County Chief Officer, the Governor shall:
1️⃣ Nominate a qualified and experienced person from recommendations by the County Public Service Board (CPSB).
2️⃣ Seek approval from the County Assembly.
3️⃣ Upon approval, officially appoint the nominee.
✅ Note: The County Chief Officer is a public service position under county employment.
🔹 Functions of County Chief Officers
A County Chief Officer is responsible for the administration of a county department and reports directly to the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of the respective department.
✅ Head of County Department
- Manages and oversees a county department.
- Implements county policies and projects.
✅ Authorized Officer in the Department
- Exercises delegated powers from the County Executive Committee Member.
- Approves expenditure and resources allocation.
✅ Deployment of County Public Officers
- Can assign and reassign county public officers within the department.
✅ Reports and Accountability
- Answers to the County Executive Committee Member in charge of the respective county ministry.
- Ensures effective service delivery and proper resource management.
✅ Implementation of Development Plans
- Coordinates sectoral projects aligned with county development plans.
✅ Budget and Financial Management
- Ensures proper budgeting, expenditure, and financial accountability.
✅ Re-assignment and Transfer
- The Governor may reassign a County Chief Officer to another department.
🔹 How a County Chief Officer Vacates Office
A County Chief Officer’s position may fall vacant if the officer:
❌ Dies.
❌ Resigns (in writing to the Governor).
❌ Is removed for misconduct, incompetence, or violation of service terms.
🔹 County Chief Officer Salary in Kenya
💰 Salary Range (as per SRC 2013 circular):
- KES 200,270 (Minimum Pay)
- KES 260,660 (Maximum Pay)
- Inclusive of Basic Salary & Allowances
📌 Reference: Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Circular
📌 Key Takeaways
✔ County Chief Officers head county departments and implement policies.
✔ They report directly to the County Executive Committee Members.
✔ They can approve expenditures, deploy officers, and oversee service delivery.
✔ They are appointed by the Governor with County Assembly approval.
✔ Their salary ranges from KES 200,270 – KES 260,660 (SRC 2013).
🔴 Conclusion:
The County Chief Officer plays a vital role in county administration, ensuring effective service delivery and policy execution. 🚀
