JULIUS MALOMBE MAKAU
| NAME | JULIUS MALOMBE MAKAU |
| AGE | 73 YEARS |
| GENDER | MALE |
| OCCUPATION | POLITICIAN |
Julius Malombe Makau is a Kenyan politician currently serving as the Governor of Kitui County under the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya (WDM-K) party.
Early life and education
Julius Makau Malombe was born in Kitui County in 1952 and began his education at Matinyani Primary School in 1959, completing his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) in 1968.
That same year, he enrolled at Matinyani Secondary School, where he undertook his O-Level studies from 1969 to 1972.
His exceptional performance at O-Level earned him admission to Machakos Boys High School for his A-Level studies, which he pursued between 1973 and 1974, focusing on technical and science subjects.
In 1975, Malombe joined the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Building Economics.
He graduated in 1978, having developed a strong interest in urban planning, housing, and construction economics.
Malombe moved to the United Kingdom in 1979 to further his studies and enrolled at Aston University, where he successfully completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Construction Management and Economics in 1980.
He then joined the University of Birmingham, where between 1980 and 1985 he pursued a Diploma in Business Administration, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
His academic journey culminated in 1985 when he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration, making him one of the most academically accomplished leaders in Kenya’s political landscape.
Career
Professional career
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Building Economics at the University of Nairobi in 1978, Dr. Julius Malombe began his career in public service, joining the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing.
By the early 1980s, while furthering his education in the United Kingdom, Malombe balanced academic pursuits with practical experience in urban management projects.
Upon his return to Kenya in 1985, he resumed his work in the Ministry of Urban Development.
Malombe’s work saw him appointed to senior positions, including Deputy Director and later Senior Deputy Director in the Ministry, where he played a pivotal role in designing and implementing housing policies and overseeing major national urban development programs.
Malombe also served in Shelter Afrique, a pan-African finance institution for housing and urban development, the National Housing Corporation, and the Local Authority Transfer Fund Advisory Council, where he was instrumental in steering resources toward effective local government service delivery.
He also served on the boards of Nyeri Water and Sewerage Company and the Nairobi Interim Oversight Board, roles that strengthened his reputation as an expert in public finance management and infrastructure.
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By the early 2010s, having built a solid reputation in public service and development management, Malombe transitioned toward elective politics.
Political career
Julius Malombe made his entry into politics in the 2013 general elections when he contested for the position of Governor of Kitui County on a Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya (WDM-K) ticket.
His extensive public service experience and reputation as a technocrat earned him widespread support, and he won decisively with 163,904 votes, becoming the first Governor of Kitui County.
In the 2017 general elections, Malombe sought re-election but was defeated by Charity Ngilu, who succeeded him as governor.
Despite leaving office, Malombe remained active in politics and continued to engage with the people of Kitui through development initiatives and political mobilization, preparing for a return to leadership.
In 2022, he staged a successful political comeback, once again running on a Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya ticket.
In a highly competitive race, he reclaimed the governorship by garnering 198,004 votes, defeating former Kitui Senator David Musila and other contenders.
Malombe’s return to power has also sparked a national debate about term limits for governors. His plan to seek re-election in 2027 has raised questions about whether non-consecutive terms count toward the constitutional two-term limit for county governors. This issue has made him a central figure in Kenya’s broader discussion on devolution and governance reforms.
In recognition of his distinguished service, President William Ruto awarded Dr. Malombe the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) honor on December 12, 2022, one of Kenya’s highest civilian decorations.
Net worth
Details about his net worth are not publicly available.
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However, Julius Malombe earns a gross salary of KSh 990,000 as a county governor.
This includes:
- Basic salary: Ksh 574,200
- House allowance: Ksh 200,000
- Salary market adjustment: Ksh 196,000
Julius Malombe is also entitled to benefits and allowances such as:
- Official car (up to 3,000cc) or car allowance
- Medical cover for the governor, spouse, and up to four dependent children
- Airtime allowance: Up to Ksh 20,000 per month
- Official residence, security, and travel subsistence allowances (per SRC-approved rates)
- Retirement benefits, including gratuity equivalent to 31% of annual pensionable income or contributions to an established pension scheme
- Group life insurance valued at three times the annual pensionable earnings
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