WHY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND GOVERNORS WILL BULLY EACH OTHER

When Kenyans unanimously passed the new constitution in in August 2010, it subsequently paved way for creation of 47 counties and new leadership positions namely governors, senators and women representatives.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER AT A GOVERNMENT FUNCTION

However, there was a lot of pomp and color on how the roles of the governors were expected to play out witnessed after the recently concluded general elections. The newly elected governors or the so called County Chief Executives (this is actually how they would like to roll) started making damning demands that has left the country wondering at the extend with which our leaders are obsessed with power and prestige. From demanding to fly our national flag on their motorcades to asking to be allocated with most prestigious working offices, they defiantly want the public to feel the power and prestige that comes along with their positions. Does the public want to feel the same? Do they just want to be ruled? Article 73 CAP 1 (a) of the Kenya constitution 2010 on leadership and integrity is crystal clear on the responsibilities of leadership and states that:

                                                Authority assigned to a state officer-

                                                Is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that-

                                                1. consistent with the purposes and objectives of this constitution,

                                                2. Demonstrates respect for the people

                                                3. Brings honor to the nation and dignity to the office, and

                                                4. Promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office, and

                                                Vests in the state officer the responsibility to serve the people rather than to be ruled.                                                                                

Nairobi governor Dr Kidero taking oath of office

This habit will even be more prevalent in counties that elected ”pure” politicians as their first governors. Precisely more than 80% of the 47 counties elected former politicians to take up these roles. Although habits cannot be cursed on stone and that people can turn into new leaves, but what more can one expect from an ordinary Kenyan politician? Careers that have been nurtured under extremely crude political tactics and maneuvers will continue to depend on the same to survive as long as possible.

Just across the executive arm of the government are county commissioners whose positions were also created recently to replace the previous Provincial Administration are expected to work with governors concurrently at the county level. The commissioners shall be responsible for coordinating security management, national government functions and delivery if services and generally responsible for coordination of national government policies.

What remains to be seen is how they will exercise these duties without brushing shoulders with their counterparts. On the other hand the governors might be met with hostilities from the national government representatives as they try to push both their political and economic agendas. The onus is therefore on the National Transition Authority to clearly define and differentiate the respective functions of the two.