Kibaki appoints first batch of county commissioners
Siasa 03:19
President Kibaki on Friday evening named 47 County Commissioners, ending
the debate over the fate of the provincial administration in the new
system of devolved government.
And he handed the commissioners a heavy docket, ranging from handling security issues to matters of the national government.
Even though one of their functions would be to play
a liaison role between national and county governments, their duties
raised questions over the powers of governors who will be elected
directly by voters to head the counties.
Transition clause
The President based his decision on Section 17 of
the Sixth Schedule of the Transitional Clauses which gave the government
five years to restructure the provincial administration to fit in a
devolved system of government.
“President Mwai Kibaki has appointed County Commissioners to
undertake coordination of national government functions in the 47
counties,” he said in a statement.
Those named as County Commissioners are current Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners.
The decision by the President, however, phased out
provincial commissioners who are likely to be absorbed in ministries at
the national government.
Debate had intensified in the country over the fate of the
provincial administration with some stating that the system should be
thrown out.
President Kibaki was categorical that the County
Commissioners will take charge of national government duties in the
devolved units.
“The fourth schedule of the Constitution clearly
outlines the distinct functions of the national government and those of
the county governments,” he said.
They will be in charge of security, facilitate
conflict management and peace building efforts. Their duties will also
include mobilisation of national government agencies for national events
in the counties.
They will have control over relations between Kenya
citizens and foreigners, champion national unity and togetherness,
supervise security on roads and airstrips as they maintain
administrative boundaries.
The county commissioner will coordinate disaster management operations and emergencies.
Posted on 03:19.
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