Law to decide counties’ capitals proposed
A Special Senate Committee led by Chairman Boni Khalwale. Senators have proposed a law that would stop governors from changing the headquarters of counties. PHOTO/PHOEBE OKALL
What you need to know:
- Moving the Bill on Wednesday, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale said it was important to specify where each county government was located in order to avoid confusion.
- He said residents of his county had trouble deciding the headquarters but had finally agreed on Migori town.
- Several counties including Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Laikipia are yet to agree on the location of their capital should be
Senators have proposed a law that would stop governors from changing the headquarters of counties.
They said some governors had acted unilaterally in deciding the location of their government without the input of residents or their representatives.
The senators said the County Government (amendment) Act 2014, would bring order in devolved governments.
Moving the Bill on Wednesday, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale said it was important to specify where each county government was located in order to avoid confusion.
“The issue of county headquarters is not simple. Some governors just decide to move their offices whenever they like. This will stop when this law is in place,” said Dr Khalwale.
Seconding the Bill, Migori Senator Dr Wilfred Machage said the Constitution was clear on the country’s capital but failed to provide the same for counties.
COUNTY HEADQUARTERS
He said residents of his county had trouble deciding the headquarters but had finally agreed on Migori town.
Several counties including Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Laikipia are yet to agree on the location of their capital should be.
Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi said it would help solve the problem in the county where residents rejected the governor’s move to Thika town instead of staying in Kiambu town.
“We have experienced what confusion can cause. It is not a small issue. We are happy the wrangles will be settled in Kiambu where the governor has moved the county government to Thika town against the wishes of residents,” said Mr Wamatangi.
Siaya Senator James Orengo said it was vital to know where all the devolved governments were located.
“The seat of any county government should be very well known in law…when registering a company its physical location is required. It is similar with the county governments. They should have specific locations,” said Mr Orengo.
Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura said it would help rid the counties of trouble in the future.
“It is going to save us a lot of problems and heartaches going forward,” said Mr Gitura
