VIHIGA county assembly chief whip Abdalla Chogo has differed with Deputy Governor Caleb Amaswache on the academic qualifications for county jobs.

The county had advertised vacancies for sub-county and ward administrators last week and require applicants to have a minimum of Bachelor's Degree.

Speaking during the homecoming ceremony for the lands executive Clara Indira held at Vigina Grounds on Tuesday, Chogo asked the county to lower the academic requirements for the jobs to KCSE certificate holders.

"County jobs will be held by locals and there is need to lower qualifications from degree holders to O level to absorb majority of them," Chogo said. He said the requirements set will lock out many young people who did not get university education.

Chogo said many youth will also qualify for the positions advertised because they do not have the required experience for the jobs. Amaswache who was present defended the qualifications saying the people who will hold various offices at the ward level will require proper qualifications to enable them implement development programmes rolled out.

He told politicians not to expect the governor to reward political cronies with county appointments as it was the norm in the defunct local authorities that have now been taken over by county governments.

"We have a competent Public Service Board chaired by Caroline Enane that is capable of handling the county employment needs and politicians have no role here," Amaswache said.

He said that form four leavers will be given other jobs in the county. Amaswache asked members of the county assembly to value education saying the skills of the educated residents of Vihiga will be wasted if they are not engaged by the county.

The county government has advertised positions for sub-county and ward administrators that require applicants go be holders of at least a first degree from a recognized university.