In the new Constitution of Kenya, the Provincial Administration that comprised the province, district, division, location and the sub-location has been restructured. They were headed by the provincial commissioner, district commissioner, district officer chief and sub-chief respectively. A new structure is being worked out to fit in the new two-level devolution of governance – the national government and the county government. Devolution is provided for in chapter 10 Sections 174 – 200.
However the eight provinces central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western have been replaced by the 47 Kenya counties that will be second level of governance after the national government.
Kenya County Assembly
lt will consist of members elected by voters of the wards each ward being a single member constituency representatives of people with disabilities and the youth nominated by political parties depending on their strength in the assembly and the Speaker, an ex officio member. A county assembly is elected for a term of five years. The Speaker will be elected by the county assembly from among people who are not members of the assembly.
The Speaker presides or in his or her absence, a member of elected by the assembly. A county assembly
may make laws necessary for the effective performance of the county government. The assembly, also
exercises oversight over the executive committee and other county organs.
Kenya County executive committees
The executive authority of the county is exercised by a county executive committee comprising the governor, deputy governor and members appointed by the county governor with the approval of the assembly.
The number of executive committee members should not exceed a third of the county assembly members if it has less than 30 members or l0 if the assembly has 30 or more members. The county governor and the deputy county governor are the chief executive and deputy chief executive of the county.
When the governor is absent, the deputy governor acts as governor. A person cannot hold office of governor or deputy governor for more than two terms.
Removal of a county governor in Kenya
A governor can be removed for violating the Constitution, co1n1nitting a crime under national or international law, abuse of office, gross misconduct or physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of the office.
Vacancy in the office of county governor in Kenya
lt becomes vacant if the holder dies, resigns and writes a letter to the Speaker of the county assembly or ceases to be eligible to be elected governor. The office also becomes vacant if the governor is convicted of an offence punishable by imprisomnent for at least 12 months or is removed from office.
If a vacancy occurs, the deputy governor assumes office as governor for the remainder of the term. In such a case, the deputy governor is deemed to have served a full term as county governor if more than two and a half years remain before the next election. If a vacancy occurs in the offices of the governor and deputy governor, the speaker of the county assembly acts as the governor. An election of governor is then held within 60 days.
Functions of county executive committees in Kenya
lt implements county legislation, national legislation that applies to counties, manages and coordinates
the county administration. The executive committee can also prepare legislation for consideration by the county assembly. lt must also provide regular reports to the county assembly.
Kenya County boundaries
They can be altered only by a resolution recommended by an independent commission setup by Parliament and passed by two – thirds support of the National Assembly and the same number of the Senate. The boundaries can also be altered due to population density and demographic trends, physical and human infrastructure, historical and cultural ties, the cost of administration, views of the communities affected and geographical features
Suspension of a county government in Kenya
The President may suspend a county government due to internal conflict, war or other exceptional circumstances. The suspension cannot be for more than 90 days and when it is over, elections are held.
A county government cannot be suspended unless an independent commission of inquiry has investigated allegations against the county, the President is satisfied the allegations are justified and the Senate has
authorised the suspension.
During suspension, arrangements must be made for the performance of the functions of a county government and the Senate can terminate the suspension.
Kenya County Map
Kenya County Map
Counties in Kenya – Link to the county website
The constitution of Kenya creates 47 county governments. This number is based on the delineation of administrative districts as created under the Provinces and Districts Act of 1992.
- Baringo County
- Bomet County
- Bungoma County
- Busia County
- Elgeyo Marakwet County
- Embu County
- Garissa County
- Homa Bay County
- Isiolo County
- Kajiado County
- Kakamega County
- Kericho County
- Kiambu County
- Kilifi County
- Kirinyaga County
- Kisii County
- Kisumu County
- Kitui County
- Kwale County
- Laikipia County
- Lamu County
- Machakos County
- Makueni County
- Mandera County
- Marsabit County
- Meru County
- Migori County
- Mombasa County
- Murang’a County
- Nairobi County
- Nakuru County
- Nandi County
- Narok County
- Nyamira County
- Nyandarua County
- Nyeri County
- Samburu County
- Siaya County
- Taita Taveta County
- Tana River County
- Tharaka Nithi County
- Trans Nzoia County
- Turkana County
- Uasin Gishu County
- Vihiga County
- Wajir County
- West Pokot County