NAIROBI, Kenya – A new Bill before the Senate aims to redefine the role of deputy governors, ensuring they are actively involved in county administration rather than being sidelined by governors.
The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Senate Deputy Speaker Murungi Kathuri, seeks to assign specific executive roles to deputy governors, making them integral players in county leadership.
The Bill proposes that governors must allocate their deputies clear responsibilities, a move expected to streamline county administration and reduce leadership wrangles.
For years, many deputy governors have found themselves marginalized, with some governors running county affairs with little to no input from their deputies.
Political tensions have flared in several counties, including Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Meru, and Kericho, where governors and their deputies have clashed over governance issues.
If passed, the law will grant deputy governors formal roles in county decision-making, including:
- Overseeing county administration and ensuring executive committee decisions are implemented.
- Representing the governor in national and county-level meetings, improving coordination between county and national governments.
- Engaging the public and stakeholders on county development matters to enhance transparency.
- Making recommendations to the governor on policies related to their assigned dockets.
- Appearing before the county assembly to answer questions on county projects and finances.
The Bill also proposes changes to the Intergovernmental Relations Act, allowing deputy governors to represent counties at the National and County Government Coordinating Summit, a role currently dominated by governors.
By strengthening the office of the deputy governor, the proposed law aims to foster accountability and efficiency in county governance.
It also seeks to end the persistent power struggles that have plagued devolved governments, ensuring that deputy governors are not merely ceremonial figures but active partners in leadership.
