Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for urgent action to address the challenges facing Deputy Governors across the country, saying the office has increasingly been rendered ineffective in several counties.
Making the statement at the Senate planery, Sifuna said the Constitution clearly establishes the office of Deputy Governor to ensure continuity in county leadership and stability in governance.
However, he warned that many holders of the office are facing difficult working conditions.
“The office of Deputy Governor was created to support the Governor and ensure continuity of executive authority in counties,” Sifuna said. “Unfortunately, in many counties the office has been reduced to a peripheral role.”
He said some Deputy Governors have reported the denial of official vehicles, the closure of their offices, and the withholding of budgets needed to run their offices.
“This situation undermines the spirit of the Constitution and weakens the system of devolution,” Sifuna said. “Deputy Governors should not operate at the mercy of Governors.”
The Senator urged Parliament to prioritise the County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to clarify the roles and functions of Deputy Governors.
“We must accelerate the passage of this Bill to give legal backing and protection to the office,” he said. “Without clear statutory support, the office risks remaining a symbol of humiliation and neglect.”
Sifuna also called on the Senate to launch an inquiry into the welfare and working conditions of Deputy Governors nationwide.
“The Senate has an oversight responsibility under the Constitution,” he said. “We must investigate these issues and ensure that the office of Deputy Governor functions as intended.”
He warned that failure to address the problem could weaken devolution and affect service delivery in counties.
By Anthony Solly
