Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has urged swift action to address growing challenges facing Deputy Governors, warning that the office has increasingly been sidelined in several counties.
Speaking during a Senate plenary, Sifuna emphasized that the Constitution establishes the office of Deputy Governor to ensure continuity in county leadership and stability in governance. He noted, however, that many incumbents face difficult working conditions that undermine their mandate.
“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 cited reports of Deputy Governors being denied official vehicles, having their offices closed, and facing budgetary restrictions that hinder their ability to perform official duties.
“This situation undermines the spirit of the Constitution and weakens the system of devolution,” he added. “Deputy Governors should not operate at the mercy of Governors.”
The Senator called on Parliament to fast-track the County Government Laws (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to clearly define the roles and functions of Deputy Governors. “We must accelerate the passage of this Bill to give legal backing and protection to the office. Without clear statutory support, the office risks remaining a symbol of humiliation and neglect,” he said.
Sifuna also urged the Senate to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the welfare and working conditions of Deputy Governors across the country. “The Senate has an oversight responsibility under the Constitution. We must investigate these issues and ensure that the office of Deputy Governor functions as intended,” he said.
He warned that neglecting the matter could weaken devolution and compromise service delivery at the county level.
