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The role and functions of a County Governor in Kenya are important in the county level of government. One of the most important elective positions in Kenya is that of a county governor.

The County Governor is the chief executive of the county government in Kenya. Thus, the major role of a County Governor in Kenya is being the head of the county government, which is the second level of government. The other level of government is the national government.

Article 1 of the Constitution delegates the sovereign power of the people to the County Governments as state organs. The county governments can also exercise this power at the county level.

A County Governor in Kenya is a democratically elected representative who exercises this power indirectly at the county level.

Kenya has 47 county governments, which translates to 47 governors. The county governor is the chief executive of the county and the head of the county executive committee. The members of the county executive committee answer to the governor while performing their functions (Article 179 (6) of the Constitution).

Let us now look at the role and functions of a County Governor in Kenya.

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Functions of a County Governor in Kenya

What is the work of a governor in Kenya? The County Governments Act contains the role and functions of a county governor in Kenya. Section 30 (2) of the County Governments Act states the functions of the governor.

The county governor shall diligently execute the functions and exercise the authority provided for in the Constitution and legislation.

1. The leadership of the county executive

This role of the County Governor in Kenya shall be to appoint the county executive committee as stipulated in article 179(2) (b) of the Constitution with the approval of the County Assembly.

He or she shall also chair the meetings of the county executive committee. See the article on the county executive committee to find out more about the membership of the county executive committee.

The governor shall come up with the portfolio structure for the county executive committee to respond to the functions and competencies that the law assigns and transfers to each county.

By a decision notified in the county gazette, the County Governor shall assign to every member of the county executive committee the responsibility to ensure the performance of any function within the county and the provision of related services to the people.

2. Representing the County

The county governor shall execute the functions assigned to him or her diligently and exercise the authority that the Constitution and the law provides.

He or she shall represent the county in national and international fora and events.

The governor shall also represent the county in intergovernmental relations (that is, relations between the national and county governments, and also other counties). The governor is a member of the National and County Government Coordinating Summit and the Council of County Governors.

3. Making, approving, and implementing county policies

The county governor shall submit the county plans and policies to the county assembly for approval.

He or she shall also consider, approve and assent to bills that the county assembly passes, or refer the same bill back to the assembly.

The county governor also implements these plans and policies together with the county executive committee. Some of these plans and policies include the county budgets, bills, among others.

The county governor shall submit an annual report to the county assembly on the implementation status of the county policies and plans.

The governor shall deliver the annual state of the county address containing such matters county laws may specify.

Lastly, the county governor shall sign the notice of all important formal decisions made by the governor or by the county executive committee, and ensure they are published in the county gazette.

4. performing state functions

The county governor may perform such State functions within the county as the President may from time to time assign on the basis of mutual consultations.

Responsibilities of the County Governor in Kenya

In performing the role and functions of a county governor in Kenya, the person shall–

  • provide leadership in the county’s governance and development;
  • provide leadership to the county executive committee and administration based on the county policies and plans;
  • promote democracy, good governance, unity and cohesion within the county;
  • promote peace and order within the county;
  • advance the competitiveness of the county;
  • be accountable for the management and use of the county resources; and
  • promote and facilitate citizen participation in the development of policies and plans, and delivery of services in the county.

Powers of the county governor in Kenya

The powers enable the role and functions of a county governor in Kenya. The County Governments Act contains the powers of the County Governor. Section 31 of the Act designates the following powers to the governor.

The county governor has the power to dismiss a county executive committee member.

The governor has the power to dismiss a county executive committee member following a resolution passed by the County Assembly (Section 40 of the County Governments Act).

The county governor also has the power to re-assign a county executive committee member.

The governor can appoint an accounting officer for each county department, entity, or decentralised unit of the county government. These accounting officers are the Chief Officers who head the different county departments. A county can have one executive committee member for each department and different chief officers in each department.

Lastly, the governor has the powers necessary to execute the duties of the office of the county governor.

How Many Terms can a governor serve in Kenya?

Article 180 (7) of the Constitution says “a person shall not hold office – (a) as a county governor for more than two terms, or (b) as a deputy county governor for more than two terms."

Each term of a governor (or deputy governor) is five years.

In the case where the deputy governor assumes office in the absence of the governor (vacancy or impeachment), the deputy governor is deemed to have served a full term as county governor if, at the date on which he or she assumed office, more than two and a half years remain before the date of the next regularly scheduled election. He or she is not deemed to have served a term of office as county governor, in any other case. (Article 182(3) of Kenyan Constitution).

See the requirements to vie for the position of a county governor and how to impeach a county governor.