Kitui Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe Phd is increasingly being ranked among Kenya’s top-performing governors, with his administration’s development record, fiscal discipline, and grassroots-focused governance drawing attention from governance experts and residents alike.
Since returning to office in 2022, Governor Malombe has overseen the implementation and operationalisation of 1,921 development projects across Kitui County, a feat his administration attributes to strict performance management and accountability systems within county departments.
The governor introduced performance contracts for County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Chief Officers, linking budget allocations directly to measurable development targets. County officials say the approach has strengthened planning, accelerated project implementation, and improved service delivery across sectors.
A major pillar of Malombe’s administration has been the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), under which 989 ward-based projects have been implemented. The projects include construction of water facilities, ECDE classrooms, road upgrades, health infrastructure, and irrigation support schemes aimed at ensuring equitable development across Kitui’s wards.
Water development has emerged as one of the county government’s flagship achievements. The administration reports that it has completed 115 solar-powered boreholes, 250 sand dams, and 18 sump well schemes in efforts to tackle long-standing water shortages affecting rural communities.
In agriculture, the county government says more than 527,000 farmers have received training on modern farming methods, while 280 youth agri-preneurs have been supported through empowerment initiatives targeting food security and youth employment.
The health sector has also undergone reforms under the Malombe administration. A total of 852 health workers have reportedly been promoted, while automation of primary healthcare services has expanded access to medical services to approximately 87 percent of villages in the county. The administration additionally created the office of Chief Officer for Drugs and Medical Supplies to strengthen medical supply distribution and reduce shortages.
Governor Malombe’s leadership style has also been praised for institutional stability and adherence to legal procedures. After years of vacancies in key county offices, his administration filled positions including County Secretary, County Attorney, and CPSB Secretary through processes aligned with the County Governments Act. Nineteen Chief Officers were also renewed after undergoing performance appraisals.
At the regional level, the governor has continued to champion economic cooperation through the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB), which seeks to promote joint development projects and enhance trade among counties in the lower eastern region. Among the projects linked to the initiative is the Kangu Water Supply Project, which received Sh183.6 million in funding.
Political observers note that Malombe’s leadership contrasts sharply with the combative and publicity-driven style associated with some county administrations. Instead, the Kitui governor is increasingly being associated with calm, professional, and data-driven management focused on long-term development outcomes.
Residents across Kitui say the impact of county projects is becoming visible through improved access to water, healthcare services, and agricultural support. While critics continue to question aspects of county governance, supporters argue that the administration’s development record speaks for itself.
With Kenya’s devolved system now over a decade old, Governor Malombe’s approach is increasingly being cited as a model of structured, grassroots-oriented governance that prioritizes service delivery over political theatrics.
Ends//
