Deputy Governors across Kenya are advocating for amendments to the County Government Act to clearly define their roles and responsibilities. This push is driven by concerns that many deputy governors are left without substantial duties, diminishing the prestige and impact of their positions within county governance.
Calls for Clarity and Prestige
Led by Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri, the deputies recently appeared before the Senate Devolution Committee to discuss how to enhance their roles in county governance. At least eight deputy governors were present, all urging the committee to amend the County Government Act to outline specific functions and programs they should handle at the county level. The deputies argued that these amendments would give their roles more significance, allowing them to contribute more meaningfully to their respective county administrations.
According to the deputies, the current framework leaves them at the mercy of governors, who may or may not assign them substantive responsibilities. While some governors have given their deputies executive roles, many deputies feel sidelined and left without clear tasks. “The position of a deputy governor should be one of prestige and impact, not redundancy,” Kamuri emphasized during the session.
Rejection of Senatorial Proposal
Interestingly, the deputy governors rejected a proposal by senators to compel governors to assign them executive roles. Instead, they suggested an alternative approach: defining specific programs and areas of responsibility that deputies would oversee. Among these are disaster preparedness and management, which the deputies believe is a critical area requiring leadership and strategic oversight at the county level.
They also proposed that deputy governors should chair all county government subcommittees. This role, they argued, would place them at the heart of county decision-making processes, allowing them to leverage their position to ensure smoother governance operations and accountability.
Budgetary Autonomy and Supervisory Roles
Another key demand put forth by the deputies is budgetary approval for their offices to enhance their supervisory roles. Currently, many deputy governors do not have an independent budget, which limits their capacity to effectively carry out any responsibilities assigned to them. By securing their own budgetary allocations, deputies believe they can be more effective in supporting county governments and holding various departments accountable.
“The lack of a designated budget not only hampers our ability to carry out any assigned duties but also undermines our role in promoting good governance within counties,” said one of the deputies present at the session. The deputies argued that with a dedicated budget, they would be better positioned to manage programs, monitor progress, and provide the necessary oversight.
Next Steps: Senate to Table Report
The Senate Devolution Committee, which listened to the deputies’ concerns, is expected to table a report on these proposals when the Senate resumes its sittings next month. The report will likely include recommendations for how to amend the County Government Act to better define the roles and responsibilities of deputy governors.
This discussion comes at a time when the devolution agenda in Kenya is facing scrutiny from various stakeholders who believe that certain aspects of county governance require strengthening to ensure effectiveness and accountability. The push by deputy governors to redefine their roles could set a significant precedent for future discussions on devolution and county governance in Kenya.
Implications for County Governance
If the proposals by deputy governors are accepted and incorporated into the County Government Act, it could lead to a more structured and efficient governance model at the county level. Clearly defined roles for deputy governors could prevent redundancy, enhance leadership within counties, and improve service delivery to citizens.
Moreover, by formalizing these roles, deputy governors could play a more active part in county development initiatives, disaster management, and other critical functions that directly impact the lives of the people they serve. Such a move would not only elevate the status of the deputy governor’s office but also align with the broader objectives of devolution—bringing government closer to the people and making it more responsive to their needs.
Conclusion
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on these proposals, the outcome will be eagerly awaited by county officials, governance experts, and citizens alike. A redefinition of the roles and responsibilities of deputy governors could usher in a new era of county governance in Kenya, one that is more effective, accountable, and reflective of the principles of devolution.
