New Senate Bill seeks to end power struggles between governors and deputies
Many counties have seen strained relationships between governors and their deputies, with some deputies being left out of county affairs.
A new Bill before the Senate seeks to define the roles of deputy governors to ensure they are actively involved in county administration, preventing governors from side-lining them in leadership and decision-making.
The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to provide clear responsibilities for deputy governors, promoting smoother working relationships with governors.
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"This Bill seeks to introduce definitive roles for the deputy governor with a bid to clarify and streamline responsibilities of the office and therefore also foster harmonious relations with the office of the governor in a county," the Bill states.
Sponsored by Meru Senator Murungi Kathuri, the Senate Deputy Speaker, the Bill has been published and will be introduced in the House for its first reading.
If passed, it will require governors to assign deputy governors to specific executive positions in the county government.
Many counties have seen strained relationships between governors and their deputies, with some deputies being left out of county affairs.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Trans Nzoia’s George Natembeya, Meru’s Kawira Mwangaza, and Kericho’s Erick Mutai are among the leaders who have had disagreements with their deputies.
Under the proposed law, deputy governors will be tasked with overseeing the administration of county government functions and ensuring the implementation of executive committee decisions.
They will also represent the governor and the county at both national and county-level meetings, fostering better coordination between county and national governments.
The Bill also seeks to amend the Intergovernmental Relations Act to allow deputy governors to represent their counties in the National and County Government Coordinating Summit.
It also mandates them to engage with the public and stakeholders on county matters, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Deputy governors appointed to executive committee roles will be responsible for making recommendations to the governor regarding their assigned dockets.
They will also appear before the county assembly to answer questions on county development projects and assist in implementing the county budget by monitoring expenditures and promoting financial accountability.
If enacted, the Bill could reshape county leadership dynamics, ensuring deputy governors play a more active role in governance while addressing the persistent tensions that have emerged between governors and their deputies.
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