Senator seeks clear cut roles for deputy governors

Deputy Governors (DGs) will have defined roles, besides deputising governors, if a proposed law by the Senate is passed.

The County Governments (Amendment) Bill by Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/Marakwet) seeks to provide specific portfolio for DGs to coordinate service delivery in counties.

The senator also seeks to amend the Inter-government Relations Act, to allow deputy governors to create their own council for the deputy governors to consult and share ideas and be part of the Summit, which brings together the President and the 47 governors.

Murkomen explained that the proposed law will provide defined responsibilities for DGs to assist in co-ordination and running of county affairs.

"The proposed law seeks to reinforce the office of the Deputy Governor to make sense. It doesn't make sense when they draw salaries, yet they cannot be held accountable when things go wrong in their respective counties, "argued Murkomen.

He continued: "Article 179 of the Constitution provides for the functions of the governor and deputy dovernor as the County Chief Executive Officer and the deputy Chief Executive Officer respectively, while article 200 allows Parliament to legislate on matters necessary or convenient to give effect to all issues devolution."

The senator regretted that the absence of defined roles for the DG had left them without responsibility yet they continue to earn taxpayers money.

He said the DGs should be held accountable just like the governor by having a meaningful and defined portfolio.

"The DGs are like a spare tyre waiting to assume office in the event, the governor's office is vacant. They are generally in parking. They need to have tangible responsibility with proper description," stressed Murkomen.