Principal Legal Counsel

How to Apply: Submit your application in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the left side the category (position) which they fall and addressed to: The Board Secretary/CEO, Kwale County Public Service Board, P.O BOX 4 – 80403, KWALE. All applications should be submitted on or before Thursday 27th August 2026 by 4:30PM.

Prove Your Litigation and Drafting Chops

This role sits at the heart of county legal affairs, so the hiring panel will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running on court appearances, contract drafting, and compliance audits. Your application must show not just years of service, but concrete wins in high-stakes legal work.

1. Lead with your litigation record: On your CV, list the types of cases you've handled and the courts or tribunals you've appeared before. Quantify outcomes where possible, like 'successfully defended county in 15 land disputes'. This gives the panel immediate proof of your courtroom readiness.

2. Show your drafting range: Highlight specific documents you've drafted — contracts, leases, bills, or policies. Mention the complexity and the legal areas involved. A portfolio of anonymized samples can be a powerful addition if you're invited for an interview.

3. Emphasize your compliance audit experience: Since the role involves legal audits, describe any compliance reviews you've led or contributed to. Explain how you identified gaps and what mitigation measures you recommended. This shows you're not just a lawyer but a risk manager.

4. Prepare for the 'Chapter Six' questions: Expect to be asked about your integrity, leadership, and how you handle ethical dilemmas. Have concrete examples ready that demonstrate your adherence to the Constitution and your ability to uphold public trust.

5. Brush up on county government law: Be ready to discuss the County Governments Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and other relevant statutes. The panel will probe your understanding of the legal framework within which counties operate.

6. Show your negotiation skills: The role includes settling disputes out of court. Prepare a story where you successfully negotiated a settlement, detailing the strategy you used and the outcome. This proves you can save the county time and money.

7. Highlight your supervisory experience: As a Principal Legal Counsel, you'll likely lead a team. Give examples of how you've mentored junior lawyers or managed workloads. This shows you're ready for the managerial aspects of the role.

8. Tailor your CV to the job description: Mirror the language of the posting. If they ask for 'strategic planning', show how you've contributed to strategic legal initiatives. Use the same keywords to pass any initial screening and to show you've read the requirements carefully.