(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), any person who has the qualifications prescribed for a district judge by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 20-334 shall be eligible for nomination, election or appointment to the office of judge of the district court in any judicial district. If such person is not a resident of the judicial district at the time of nomination, election or appointment, such person shall establish residency in the judicial district before taking the oath of office and shall maintain residency while holding office.

(b) No person shall be eligible for nomination, election or appointment to the office of judge of the district court in any county of any judicial district for which there has been established residence requirements for the holding of such office if such person is not a resident of the county at the time of nomination, election or appointment.