The County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
Deputy Governors Receive Clear Statutory Portfolios
The Bill replaces Section 32 of the County Governments Act (Cap. 265) to outline 10 specific responsibilities for deputy governors. These duties include deputizing the Governor in general administration, overseeing the implementation of county executive committee decisions, and undertaking assigned executive portfolios.
Deputy Governors to Face County Assemblies for Project Implementation
Under the proposed Section 32(1)(h) and (j), deputy governors must appear before the county assembly to respond to questions regarding the implementation of development projects and serve as an executive liaison officer to foster positive relations between the executive and the legislature.
Active Role in Budget Implementation and Accountability
The proposed Section 32(1)(i) mandates deputy governors to assist the Governor in implementing the county budget, which includes monitoring expenditure, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and promoting financial accountability under national and county regulations.
Deputies Can Represent Governors at the National Summit
The Bill amends Section 9 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act (Cap. 265F) to introduce a new subsection (2). This enables a governor who is unable to attend a meeting of the National and County Government Coordinating Summit to formally nominate their deputy governor to represent them.
Bill No.
Senate Bills No. 52
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 204
Sponsor
Murungi Kathuri
Background
The principal object of the County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is to provide a definitive role for the office of the deputy governor. Currently, Section 32 of the County Governments Act (Cap. 265) only broadly states that the deputy governor deputizes the governor and may be assigned other responsibilities. The lack of specific functions has historically led to administrative and interpersonal challenges between governors and their deputies. This Bill seeks to resolve these issues by establishing explicit legal duties and representation guidelines.
Key Amendments
Amendments to the County Governments Act (Cap. 265)
The Bill deletes Section 32 and substitutes it with a new section that explicitly lists the functions of a deputy governor. Under the new Section 32(1), the deputy governor shall:
- Deputize the Governor in general administration and oversee the implementation of county executive committee decisions.
- Represent the Governor and county government in official capacities at both national and county levels.
- Fostering public engagement, transparency, and accountability on issues affecting the county.
- Attend county executive meetings as a member of the county executive committee, with entitlement to reasonable notice of such meetings.
- Appear before the county assembly from time to time to respond to questions regarding the implementation of development projects.
- Serve as an executive liaison office with the county assembly to facilitate smooth implementation of development agendas and policies.
Amendments to the Intergovernmental Relations Act (Cap. 265F)
Section 9 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act is amended to allow a governor to nominate their deputy governor to attend and represent them in meetings of the National and County Government Coordinating Summit if the governor is unable to attend.
New Obligations
The Bill introduces specific statutory obligations for deputy governors to participate in county administration, including:
- Assisting the Governor in county budget implementation, which encompasses monitoring expenditure, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and promoting financial accountability.
- Responding directly to county assemblies on project implementation matters.
- Undertaking duties of specified appointed executive positions as assigned by the Governor.
No updates tracked yet
Updates will be visible here once they are approved and applied to this bill.