'WE WANT TASKS!' - Deputy Governors Seek New Law To Define Their Roles

‘WE WANT TASKS!’ – Deputy Governors Seek New Law To Define Their Roles

In Kenya, the Deputy Governors’ Caucus urged legal amendments that would clearly define their positions in the counties on Wednesday, March 19, following a series of run-ins with their governors.

The Council of Deputy Governors, led by chair Rueben Kamuri, maintained that many deputy governors had clashed with their supervisors due to a lack of distinct roles.

According to Kamuri, the squabbles have resulted in countless examples of governors and deputy governors in various counties clashing, disrupting county operations.

In some situations, conflicts have left deputy governors out in the cold and cut off from county operations.

“There must be clear respect for the two offices. There must be clear respect for the governor’s office,” Kamuri stated.

Deputy Governors' caucus pushes for legal reforms to define their role in counties pic.twitter.com/5rJgYIU7ny
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 19, 2025

“There must be clear respect for the deputy governor’s office. This office (deputy governor) is enshrined in the Constitution.”

“During elections, everyone is happy. But after elections, the disagreements (between governors and their deputies) start,” he added.

“We want to say enough is enough. We have also resolved as Deputy Governors to be at the forefront of protecting devolution in the counties.”

To that end, the caucus has submitted a draft bill to the Senate, seeking reforms that clarify their powers and propose new legislation in crucial county functions.

Budget allocation was at the top of their agenda, with the group requesting funding for the Deputy Governor’s Office.

As the deputy governor’s office does not have an independent vote in the county budget, the Constitution typically requires it to operate under the Governor’s office budget.

The amount of money relies on the Governor’s discretion, county budget priorities, and County Assembly agreement.

However, some counties set aside particular funding for the Deputy Governor’s administrative expenses, such as staff pay, travel, and operational costs.

The Constitution requires the Deputy Governor to undertake tasks delegated by the Governor.

As a result, the deputy governors are working to implement new reforms that will provide them with clear duties, participation in decision-making, and protection of the DG’s office.

Deputies in Kenya have frequently had disagreements with their employers, albeit to varied degrees.

In Kisii, Deputy Governor Joash Maangi clashed with Governor James Ongwae when Maangi changed his political affiliation.

Maangi backed Deputy President William Ruto, whilst Ongwae remained faithful to ODM leader Raila Odinga. This occurred during their reign from 2013 to 2022.

Polycarp Igathe, the previous Nairobi governor’s deputy, resigned after only five months in office, alleging an inability to earn the governor’s trust.

His departure left Nairobi without a Deputy Governor for more than two years, creating governance issues.

Another squabble broke out in Kiambu, with former DG James Nyoro accusing former county chief Ferdinand Waititu of marginalising him in decision-making and financial affairs.

Waititu was impeached in 2020 for graft, and Nyoro was inaugurated as Governor.

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Currently, Siaya governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol are at odds.

Oduol is accusing Orengo’s administration of corruption and claims that he has been sidelined in county activities.

In response, The Siaya County Assembly dismissed Oduol’s allegations due to lack of evidence.

Subsequently, a motion for his impeachment was introduced, citing gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office.

‘WE WANT TASKS!’ – Deputy Governors Seek New Law To Define Their Roles