Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for urgent action to address challenges facing Deputy Governors across Kenya, warning that the office has increasingly been rendered ineffective in several counties.
Speaking at the Senate plenary, Sifuna emphasized that the Constitution clearly establishes the office of Deputy Governor to ensure continuity in county leadership and stability in governance.
“The office of Deputy Governor was created to support the Governor and ensure continuity of executive authority in counties. Unfortunately, in many counties the office has been reduced to a peripheral role,” Sifuna stated.
He cited reports from Deputy Governors who have experienced the denial of official vehicles, closure of offices, and withholding of budgets needed to run their functions.
“This situation undermines the spirit of the Constitution and weakens the system of devolution. Deputy Governors should not operate at the mercy of Governors,” he added.
Sifuna urged Parliament to prioritize the County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, which aims to clarify the roles and functions of Deputy Governors, providing them with legal backing and protection.
“Without clear statutory support, the office risks remaining a symbol of humiliation and neglect,” he warned.
In addition, the Senator called on the Senate to launch a nationwide inquiry into the welfare and working conditions of Deputy Governors.
“The Senate has an oversight responsibility under the Constitution. We must investigate these issues and ensure that the office of Deputy Governor functions as intended,” Sifuna said.
He cautioned that failure to address these challenges could weaken devolution and negatively impact service delivery at the county level.
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