NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy Governors from all 47 counties have petitioned the Senate to allocate at least 40 percent of the county governor’s office budget to their own offices and formally entrench their roles in law, saying they remain sidelined and powerless despite being elected alongside governors.
Meeting with the Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations in Nakuru County, the Deputy Governors’ Caucus—led by Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri—decried the lack of defined functions for their offices, claiming they are often treated as ceremonial figureheads or “personal assistants” to governors.
“We are not involved in the running of the counties,” Kamuri told senators, urging lawmakers to amend Section 32 of the County Governments Act to assign them substantive duties and include them in decision-making processes.
Push for Constitutional Recognition
The deputy governors are also calling for a constitutional amendment to institutionalize their roles, borrowing from the national model where the Deputy President chairs the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).
They suggested that county deputies be allowed to lead specific programmes to enhance accountability and service delivery.
They argue that these reforms would not only dignify the office but also strengthen county governance structures by reducing political friction and ensuring smoother continuity in leadership when governors are absent.
Senate Agrees — With Caution
Senators present at the meeting, including committee chair Mohamed Abass, expressed support for the proposed reforms but urged caution to avoid overlapping roles that could lead to conflicts with governors.
“There is a need for a clear framework to define who does what, to avoid duplication and turf wars,” Abass said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka challenged the deputies to support their proposals with comparative research from other countries or devolved systems that have successfully implemented similar models.
“Present a well-researched formula for budget allocation and responsibilities,” he advised, noting that a strong case would improve the chances of legislative success.
Legal Reform Underway
Their calls come as the Senate prepares to debate a new Bill that seeks to clarify the responsibilities of deputy governors and prevent them from being sidelined in county leadership.
The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Senate Deputy Speaker Murungi Kathuri, proposes that governors be required to assign deputies to specific executive functions.
The legislation aims to eliminate ambiguity in the law and foster a more harmonious relationship between governors and their deputies.
“This Bill seeks to introduce definitive roles for the deputy governor… to streamline responsibilities and promote functional cooperation in county administration,” the draft law states.
The move follows growing tensions in several counties, where strained relationships between governors and their deputies have hampered service delivery.
While deputy governors are elected as running mates, many are locked out of core operations once in office.
The proposed reforms are now in the hands of Parliament, where the deputy governors hope to see what they call a long-overdue constitutional oversight corrected.
