In line with the 1963 Kenyan constitution the country was divided into eight provinces and further subdivisions consisting of 46 districts, 262 divisions, more than 2000 locations and over 6000 sub locations. Local government authorities - both urban and rural - very rarely corresponded with this elaborate divisional scheme over the past four decades. With the adoption of the new Constitution in 2010 the old divisions became obsolete and were replaced by 47 counties roughly corresponding with the former districts. True decision and policy making is made by local authorities divided into three urban councils, 43 municipal councils and 62 town councils. Rural local government is provided by 67 county councils. Two-thirds of councilors in each authority are directly elected, the Minister of Local Government appoints the other third. Representatives from 47 county councils are elected every 5 years and are further delegated to a national assembly. Most recently elections were held in 2007. The next county council elections are planned for 2012.
Â
The new 2010 constitution thus endeavors to decentralize government and empower localities partially to increase accountability and democracy throughout Kenya. For example the constitution states that ‘no more than two-thirds of the members of representative bodies in each county government shall be of the same gender’. Further legislation on local authorities is specified in the local government act, also revised in 2010. Here an elaborate legal clarification is given on the rights and responsibilities of local authorities on subjects such as education, commerce, sanitation and rules on how localities should manage finances.
Â
The recent restructuring of Kenyan local government has provided local authorities with a strong and comprehensive legal basis. This adds to the longstanding, albeit somewhat unstructured, experience of the country with local government and organizations founded over the years in light of this tradition that puts emphasis on local governments. The Association of Local Government Authorities of Kenya (ALGAK) has been lobbying several decades and providing localities with trainings and workshops on how to increase the efficiency of local authorities. Also the Ministry of Local Government is implementing development programs; for example a waste management program or infrastructural upgrading. The nationwide development plan ‘Kenya 2030’ also supports local governments through its political pillar of which the vision statement is ‘a democratic political system that is issue-based, people-centered, result-oriented and accountable to the public’.
|
