Senators want deputy governors given specific roles in law
Senators have set in motion plans to end supremacy battles between governors and their deputies.
The plan involves amending section 32(3) of the County Governments Act to make it mandatory for governors to assign responsibilities and portfolios to their deputies.
In a move that could set the stage for a major clash with governors, the senators said the two leaders are voted for by the people on a joint ticket and so the deputy governors should not be “flower girls and boys”.
Section 32(3) states that the governor may assign the deputy governor any responsibility or portfolio as a member of the county executive committee.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei argued that since devolution has been in existence for over a decade, they now know what works and what does not.
“Let us amend the law and give designation to a deputy governor,” said Mr Cherargei. “We cannot allow deputies to earn salaries by just reading newspapers and eating mandazi at the expense of the taxpayers, yet they don’t have job descriptions.”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said Article 179 of the constitution vests executive authority on the governor, deputy and county executive committee members.
“It is very unfair for deputy governors to continue being managed like small people. Some are denied vehicles; some are given vehicles without fuel while some do not even have offices,” he said. “When I become a governor, I will give my deputy full responsibilities and power because the Constitution is very clear on this.”
Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed said the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations committee has received 21 reports of problems between deputy governors and their bosses.
“Recently, the deputy governor of Siaya wrote to the committee saying that he has not been able to resume work even after surviving impeachment last year,” he said.
The senators’ move follows a petition by Mr Japheth Makokha to amend Section 32(3) of the County Governments Act to remove the discretion given to governors to assign their deputies a portfolio and make it mandatory.
The petitioner argued that the numerous disagreements between governors and their deputies can be attributed to the provision.
Mr Makokha claimed that some first-term governors are afraid of assigning their deputies portfolios to avoid being outshone. He added that some second-term governors, who might prefer candidates other than their current deputies to succeed them, may also choose not to assign their deputies any portfolios.
“This situation has seen citizens question the usefulness of the office of deputy governor in situations where the governor has not assigned the deputy a portfolio,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi committed the petition to the Justice and Legal Affairs committee and gave it 60 days to dispense with the petition.
Since devolution in 2013, wrangles between county chiefs and their deputies have dogged counties. Since the August 2022 General Election, at least six counties have had their governors and deputies publicly clash. These are Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Kericho, Kisii, Siaya and Meru, with the latter three going all the way to the impeachment level.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said: “We cannot relegate deputy governors to be flower girls and boys that don’t have anything to do. I am Nyandarua senator, but I cannot tell what the deputy governor of Nyandarua does to earn his salary.
“The committee must put their best foot forward, think through it so that we give justice to the deputy governors. We must ensure the marriages work whether the governors want it or not.”
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi said that in counties where deputies have been assigned portfolios, the working relationship has been smooth.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.