Governors ask Senate to speed up hiring of county attorneys

Governors have asked the national government to speed up the hiring of county attorneys.

They say the attorneys would advise counties and facilitate the drafting of quality Bills by assemblies.

At the moment, counties hire private lawyers to argue their cases in court.

Already, a Bill seeking to establish the office of the county attorney has been presented to the Senate.

Busia Senator Amos Wako, the sponsor of the Office of the County Attorney Bill 2014, says it seeks to help reduce hefty bills incurred by county governments in seeking legal opinion from private lawyers.

Speaking to the Nation on Sunday, Governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) and Marsabit’s Ukur Yatani said the offices would help in speeding up devolution.

Legislation in county assemblies has become the latest impediment to devolution with legal experts raising concerns on the quality of Bills passed.

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In January, Attorney-General Githu Muigai expressed concern about the constitutionality of some Bills generated by MCAs.

Prof Muigai said legislation drafting was one of the main challenges besetting the implementation of the 2010 Constitution at national and county levels.

Mr Ranguma said with closer and regular consultations with the attorneys, counties would make better decisions and laws.

“When these people have been hired, we will know what is expected of us and the consultations would be at a level where we will avoid legal battles,” he said.

Mr Mandago said attorneys would help governors deliver justice to the people.

“Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee should hasten formation of these important offices,” he said.