Structure of County Governments in Kenya: Roles, Functions & Key Components

Kenya’s devolved system of governance, established under the 2010 Constitution, introduced 47 county governments to replace the previously centralized administration. This shift aimed to enhance democratic participation, equitable resource distribution, and efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.

This guide breaks down the structure of county governments in Kenya, covering their composition, key roles, and how they function within the devolved framework.

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1. The Two Main Arms of County Governments

Each county government operates under two primary branches:

A. The Executive Branch

Led by:

• County Governor – Elected by residents, serves as the chief executive officer.
• Deputy Governor – Assists the governor and acts in their absence.

Key Components:

• County Executive Committee (CEC) – Appointed by the governor (with assembly approval), these officials function like “county ministers,” overseeing departments such as health, agriculture, and transport.
• County Chief Officers – Technocrats managing day-to-day operations in various departments.
• County Secretary – Heads the county public service and coordinates executive functions.

Functions:

• Implementing county policies.
• Overseeing service delivery (healthcare, roads, agriculture).
• Preparing county budgets and development plans.

B. The Legislative Branch (County Assembly)

Composition:

• Elected Members (MCAs) – Representing wards.
• Nominated Members – Ensuring gender balance and representation of marginalized groups (youth, persons with disabilities).
• Speaker – Presides over assembly sessions.

Roles:

• Enacting county laws.
• Approving budgets and development plans.
• Overseeing the executive branch to prevent misuse of power.

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2. Key Supporting Structures

A. County Public Service Board

• Responsible for hiring, disciplining, and managing county staff.
• Ensures merit-based recruitment and fair employment practices.

B. Sub-County Administration

Counties decentralize services through:

• Sub-County Administrators
• Ward Administrators
• Village Administrators
  These officials ensure services reach grassroots levels efficiently.

C. Urban Governance (Cities & Municipalities)

Larger urban areas (e.g., Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) are managed under the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011). They have:

• Municipal Boards – Appointed by governors to oversee service delivery.
• City Managers – Handle daily operations.

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3. Functions of County Governments

Counties handle 14 key functions as per the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, including:
✅ Agriculture – Crop farming, livestock management.
✅ Health Services – County hospitals, ambulance services.
✅ Transport & Infrastructure – Roads, public works.
✅ Education – Pre-primary schools, childcare facilities.
✅ Environmental Management – Waste disposal, pollution control.

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4. Revenue Sources for County Governments

Counties are funded through:

• National Government Transfers (Minimum 15% of national revenue).
• Local Revenue (Property rates, business permits).
• Grants & Donor Funding (e.g., World Bank projects).

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5. Challenges & Progress in Devolution

While devolution has improved local governance, challenges remain:
✅ Financial Constraints – Some counties struggle with revenue collection.
✅ Intergovernmental Conflicts – Overlapping roles with the national government.
✅Successes – Improved healthcare, infrastructure, and public participation.

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Conclusion

Kenya’s county governments structure ensures localized decision-making and equitable development. By understanding its components—executive, legislative, and administrative arms—citizens can better engage with devolution and hold leaders accountable.

For more details, refer to Kenya’s County Governments Act (2012) and the 2010 Constitution