Civil servants eyeing polls to resign by September 3

 By KNA and Digital Reporter

The Government has directed all Public Servants intending to seek elective posts during the 2013 General Elections to resign from their public office latest by  September 3, 2012.

In circular addressed to the Attorney General, all Permanent Secretaries and Accounting officers, the Secretary Public Service Commission, Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet and Acting Head of Public Service Mr Francis Kimemia said this was in accordance to miscellaneous amendments act No. 12 of 2012 that provides that a public officer should resign from public office at least six months before the date of the election.

In the circular that was also addressed to the chairpersons and members of Independent Commissions and bodies,  the Commissioner of Police, Chief Executives of State Corporation, Clerk of the National Assembly, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Provincial Commissioners and Clerks of Local Authorities.  Mr Kimemia said since the forthcoming general elections will be held on March 4 2013 then Public Officers intending to vie for elective posts should resign by 2 September 2012.

The circular that was copied to the Attorney General and the Chairperson of the Committee on Implementation of the Constitution Mr Charles Nyachae drew the attention of the Public Officers of the amended section 43(5) of the elections Act 2011 that provided that a public officer who intends to contest an election under the Act shall resign from the public office at least seven months before the date of election.

Mr  Kimemia noted that section 43(5) of the election Act 2011 was amended to reduce the period a public officer should resign from office from seven to six months, hence the September 2, 2012 deadline.

Among civil servants who have expressed interest in elective positions are Perament secretary for Livestock Kenneth Lusaka who wants to vie for governor Bungoma County. Gembi Gitura has resigned as ambassador.