Deputy Governors Plead For Senate’s Help Amidst Strained Relationships With Governors
The Deputy Governors’ Caucus advocates for significant changes to the County Governments Act to formalize the role of the Deputy Governor.
In the County Governments Amendments Bill 2024, they are requesting budgetary allocations, the right to attend cabinet meetings, and the authority to chair county executive meetings.
The Act also calls for Deputy Governors to take on the role of county disaster management coordinators, as well as oversight responsibilities over service delivery units.
Ruben Kamuri, Deputy Governor of Laikipia and chairperson of the Deputy Governors’ Caucus, explained that many Deputy Governors have been overlooked by their counterparts in day-to-day county management.
“This issue is about dignifying the office of the Deputy Governor,” Kamuri stated.
“It’s not about competing with Governors but about ensuring a clear and uniform role for Deputy Governors so that some are not sidelined while others are empowered.”
During their appearance before the Senate Devolution Committee, the Deputy Governors asked for a legal framework outlining their roles and responsibilities.
Gladys Cheserek, Elgeyo Marakwet’s Deputy Governor, emphasized the need for reforms.
“Less than 10 counties are effectively collaborating with their Governors. We want to formalize the role of Deputy Governor to ensure value for money,” stated Cheserek.
“Why should a Deputy Governor be paid Ksh.600,000 if their role is limited to reading newspapers? We are not advocating this for our own benefit but for the future of devolution.”
Cheserek criticized the current relationship between governors and deputy governors.
“The relationship between a Governor and Deputy Governor is not like a marriage where feelings and appearances matter. This is a government function, and we must focus on service delivery.”
Several Deputy Governors expressed their frustrations, including a lack of communication with their Governors.
Siaya Deputy Governor William Odoul discussed his experiences after being reinstated by the Senate last year.
“Even after being reinstated by the Senate last year, I have had no contact with my Governor. I was excluded from cabinet meetings and, when I attempted to attend, I was met with hostility.”
Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei stated that only five Deputy Governors are serving a second term with their Governors, highlighting the strained relationship between the two offices.
Senator Karungo wa Thangwa has presented the County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill, 2024 to the Senate which seeks to allocate 60% percent of county funds to wards.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) May 12, 2024
If passed, MCAs could control up to Ksh 100 million each for development projects. pic.twitter.com/6nnac7vsOw
“In some cases, Deputy Governors are not informed about county meetings, and their responsibilities are often reassigned to County First Ladies or County Executive Committee Members. Some Governors view their Deputies as unnecessary,” Mitei said.
The Senate Devolution Committee, led by Mohammed Sheikh Abas, committed to addressing the concerns raised by the Deputy Governors in the bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the Senate Kathuri Murungi.
Deputy Governors Plead For Senate’s Help Amidst Strained Relationships With Governors
