The Interim County Management Board is a temporary governance structure established during the suspension of a county government. Its primary function is to ensure continuity of governance, restore security, and oversee county affairs until a new county government is elected.
1. Establishment of the Interim County Management Board
The President of Kenya appoints the Interim County Management Board through a Gazette notice, with the approval of the Senate. The Board consists of:
✅ A Chairperson (appointed by the President, with Senate approval).
✅ Three to five members (appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for intergovernmental relations, with Senate approval).
✅ A certified public secretary (who serves as the Board’s secretary).
✅ Up to three co-opted members with specialized knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria:
🔹 Must be a resident of the affected county.
🔹 Must have expertise in security management or governance (public or private sector).
🔹 Must hold a degree from a recognized university.
🔹 Must not have held an elective office in the suspended county government for the last five years.
🔹 Must not have been an officer or employee of the suspended county government for the last five years.
🔹 Must not have been a member of a political party’s governing body for the last five years.
2. Functions of the Interim County Management Board
The Interim County Management Board assumes the powers and functions of the county executive committee, ensuring governance continues smoothly. Its key functions include:
🛡️ Restoring order and human rights – Developing programs for peace, security, and public order.
⚖️ Improving governance and service delivery – Assisting county administration in ensuring efficient public services.
📑 Overseeing county records and reports – Summoning county officers and reviewing documents related to governance.
📌 Examining county government operations – Reviewing financial and administrative processes.
📢 Issuing directives for governance – Ensuring smooth transition and compliance with legal frameworks.
Board Operations:
🔸 Members receive allowances as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
🔸 The Cabinet Secretary for intergovernmental relations provides the necessary staff for Board operations.
🔸 Suspended county officials have no authority over the Board’s activities.
3. Reporting and Dissolution of the Interim County Management Board
📌 Within 90 days, the Board submits a report to the President, outlining its activities and recommendations.
📌 The Board is dissolved once a new county government is elected, as per Article 192(6) of the Constitution.
Conclusion
The Interim County Management Board is a temporary governance body established during the suspension of a county government. It ensures law, order, and service delivery while preventing a power vacuum until fresh elections are conducted.
