County assemblies in North Rift region will meet for the first time on Tuesday next week to elect leaders.
Their first task will be the election of speakers, majority leaders,whips and formation of departmental committees.
Newly elected MCAs will, however, first be sworn in and undergo orientation so they understand their roles, Standing Orders and rules guiding assembly operations.
Clerks to the assemblies in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and other counties in the region have set September 6 for the first session.
MCA-elect for Langas ward in Eldoret Francis Muya, who will be serving his third term, said they were ready to start work.
“As MCAs-elect, we are ready to start businesses as soon as we are sworn in,” Muya said.
Most assemblies in the region are dominated by UDA ward representatives who won the majority of seats.
However, Trans Nzoia and Turkana have MCAs from DAP and ODM parties among others.
Clerks for the assemblies this week will advertise for the position of speaker. Interested persons can apply, short listing will follow and the election by MCAs.
Intense lobbying is underway for county speakers and county executives in North Rift.
Top lawyers and former MPs are among those jostling for the county jobs.
Most governors in North Rift region are members of UDA.
In Nandi county, former Chesumei MP Wilson Kogo is in the lead for the speaker's job, which he had held for the past five years.
It’s not clear if Kiptoo will defend the position but UDA sources said the party was favouring Kogo to take over.
“The elected MCAs are mature people who will elect their own leaders when that time comes soon,” UDA regional coordinator Paul Kiprop said.
Former secretary general of the County Assemblies Forum Kipkirui Chepkwony is also said to be interested in the speaker's job. He could not be reached by phone to confirm his intentions.
In Uasin Gishu, Speaker David Kiplagat was elected MP for Soy constituency. His vacant position has attracted former speaker Isaac Terer and former assembly Majority leader Josphat Lowoi, among others.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, outgoing speaker Philemon Sabulei and lawyer Ledisha Kipseii are among top candidates.
Governors also are searching for suitable names for county executive jobs.
Sources indicated some of the poll losers have been seeking President-Elect William Ruto’s assistance to get county jobs.
(Edited by V. Graham)
