The structure of county governments in Kenya mirrors that of the national government. The promulgation of the 2010 Constitution established a two-tier system of governance, comprising the national government and the county governments. Devolution was introduced to bring decision-making closer to the people, particularly on matters of local development. The structure of county governments provides a framework for the delegation of power and services, ensuring effective administration, policy implementation, and oversight at the grassroots level.
Structure of the County Government in Kenya
The county government in Kenya is composed of three main arms:
- The County Executive Committee
- The County Assembly (Legislature)
- The County Public Service
Each arm plays a distinct role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the county government.
1. The County Executive Committee
The County Executive Committee is the executive arm of the county government. Its establishment is provided for under Article 179 of the Constitution. The committee exercises the executive authority of the county and is responsible for implementing county policies and programs.
Composition of the County Executive Committee
The County Executive Committee consists of:
- The County Governor and Deputy County Governor: The Governor is the chief executive of the county, while the Deputy Governor acts as the deputy chief executive. In the absence of the Governor, the Deputy Governor assumes the role of the Governor.
- Appointed Members: The Governor appoints members to the executive committee, subject to approval by the County Assembly. These members are not Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and are akin to “county ministers” or “county cabinet secretaries.” They head various departments such as finance, health, agriculture, etc.
The number of appointed members must not exceed:
- One-third of the number of MCAs if the assembly has fewer than 30 members.
- Ten members if the assembly has 30 or more members.
Members of the County Executive Committee are accountable to the Governor for their functions and powers. If the office of the Governor becomes vacant, the executive committee members cease to hold office.
Other Members of the County Executive
- County Secretary: The secretary to the County Executive Committee, responsible for administrative coordination.
- County Chief Officers: Nominated by the Governor from a list of candidates recommended by the County Public Service Board. They oversee the administration of county departments and report to the respective executive committee members.
2. The County Assembly
The County Assembly is the legislative arm of the county government. It is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the county executive.
Composition of the County Assembly
The County Assembly consists of:
- Elected MCAs: Members elected by registered voters from each ward.
- Nominated MCAs: Members nominated to ensure gender balance and representation of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
- The County Assembly Speaker: An ex officio member who presides over the assembly’s sittings but has no voting rights.
Political parties nominate members for special seats based on their proportion of elected seats in the assembly. The filling of special seats occurs after the declaration of elected members.
Other Members of the County Assembly
- Deputy Speaker: Elected from among the MCAs to assist the Speaker.
- Clerk of the County Assembly: The chief administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day management of the assembly.
The County Assembly serves a term of five years.
3. The County Public Service
The County Public Service is responsible for staffing and human resource management within the county government. Its establishment is provided for under Article 235 of the Constitution.
Functions of the County Public Service
The county government is responsible for:
- Establishing and abolishing offices in the county public service.
- Appointing, confirming, and disciplining staff within the county government.
Key Components of the County Public Service
- County Public Service Board: Oversees staffing matters, including recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
- County Secretary: The head of the County Public Service, responsible for coordinating administrative functions.
The county public service includes all individuals performing functions within county departments or agencies, excluding the Governor, Deputy Governor, members of the County Executive Committee, and MCAs.
Conclusion
The structure of county governments in Kenya is designed to promote effective governance, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level. The three arms—the County Executive Committee, the County Assembly, and the County Public Service—work together to ensure the smooth functioning of devolved governance. This structure empowers counties to address local needs and drive development while maintaining transparency and oversight.
