Are Deputy Governors Paid Sh.652K For Reading Newspapers? They Call On MPs To Clarify Their Roles

Deputy Governors have called for Constitutional amendments to clarify their roles, highlighting that many feel sidelined by their Governors.

During a session with the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Committee on Wednesday, the Deputy Governors expressed concerns that they are often excluded from the daily operations of county governments, with some relegated to minimal tasks such as reading newspapers.

The Deputy Governors are advocating for a legal framework that clearly defines their responsibilities.

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Gladys Cheserek emphasized the need for this reform, questioning why Deputy Governors should receive a monthly salary of sh.652,742 if their roles are so limited.

“Less than 10 counties have effective collaboration between their Governors and Deputy Governors.

We seek to formalize these roles to ensure that Deputy Governors add real value to the devolution process.

This isn’t about our personal gain but about strengthening devolution for future generations,” Cheserek said.

Deputy Speaker of the Senate Kathuri Murungi responded by proposing the County Governments Amendments Bill 2024.

This bill aims to allow Deputy Governors to chair county executive committee meetings, oversee disaster management, and take on oversight responsibilities for service delivery units.

The call for reform comes amid several high-profile disputes between Deputy Governors and their Governors.

For example, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot recently resigned, allegedly due to a strained relationship with Governor Jonathan Bii.

Similarly, Siaya Deputy Governor William Odoul has publicly clashed with Governor James Orengo, leading to legal and political conflicts, including an impeachment motion that was ultimately rejected by the Senate.

Another notable case involved Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda, who was impeached in 2023 on charges including gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Additionally, Nairobi County saw then Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe resign in 2018, citing a lack of trust from former Governor Mike Sonko.

The ongoing issues underscore the need for clear guidelines to enhance the effectiveness and collaboration between Deputy Governors and their counterparts.

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