NAIROBI, Kenya, May 11 – President Mwai Kibaki appointed 47 County Commissioners Friday, effectively setting the stage for the formation of the county government as enshrined in the new Constitution.
A statement from State House Nairobi said the president had acted in line with Section 17 of the sixth schedule of the Constitution.
The schedule states: “Within five years after the effective date, the national government shall restructure the system of administration commonly known as the Provincial Administration to accord with and respect the system of devolved governments established under this constitution.”
“Further, the fourth schedule of the Constitution clearly outlines the distinct functions of the national government and those of the county governments. President Mwai Kibaki has appointed County Commissioners to undertake coordination of National Government functions in the 47 counties,” the State House statement said.
It said the county governors appointed on Friday shall responsible in coordinating security management, national Government functions and delivery of services, facilitate conflict management and peace-building, mobilise national government agencies for national events and programmes.
They will also collaborate with the Kenya citizens and foreign nationals’ management service in the identification of persons for registration.
Other functions include promoting and enhancing national cohesion and integration to foster unity of the nation as well as coordinating the dissemination and implementation of national government policies and programmes.
They will also manage and maintain administrative boundaries, security roads and airstrips.
“As an immediate task, the County Commissioners will work closely with the Transitional Authority to register and compile a comprehensive portfolio of all government assets in the counties including land and buildings, equipment, vehicles, staff, documents and all other public resources. This will include assets under local authorities,” the President said.
He said the County Commissioners will also facilitate the ongoing civic education on among others the Constitution; devolved government and also seek public input into draft county strategic plans, and development plans.
The draft plans will be finalised after the Central and County Governments are in place after the general elections.
Provincial Commissioners in all the eight provinces will facilitate smooth transition to the devolved government.
The following are the County Commissioners:
1. Joseph Keter -Kirinyaga
2. Michael Mwangi -Nyeri
3. Kula Hache -Muranga
4. Wcyliffe Ogallo – Nyandarua
5. Wilson Njega – Kiambu
6. Nelson Marwa – Mombasa
7. Evans Achoki – Kwale
8. Maalim Mohamed – Kilifi
9. Joseph Rotich – Tana-River
10. Stephen Ikua – Lamu
11. Rashid Khator – Taita Taveta
12. Isaiah Nakoru – Marsabit
13. Wanyama Musiambo – Isiolo
14. Chege Mwangi – Meru
15. Christopher Musumbu – Tharaka Nithi
16. Hellen S. Kiilu – Embu
17. Erastus Ekidor – Kitui
18. Ann Gakuria – Machakos
19. David N. Ole Shege – Makueni
20. Moffat Kangi – Garissa
21. Naftary Mung’athia – Wajir
22. Michael Tialal Nkodi – Mandera
23. Lorna Odero – Kisumu
24. Joseph Kimiywi – Siaya
25. Joseph S. Otieno – Homabay
26. Ann Ngetich – Migori
27. Wilson Wanyanga – Nyamira
28. Lydia Muriuki – Kisii
29. Julius Mathenge – Turkana
30. Peter Okwanyo – West Pokot
31. Charity Chepkonga – Trans-Nzoia
32. Arthur Osiya -Kajiado
33. Kassim Farah – Narok
34. Amos Gathecha – Nakuru
35. Bernard Leparmalai – Baringo
36. Esther W. Maina – Laikipia
37. Wilson Nyagwanga – Samburu
38. Abdi M. Hassan – Uasin Gishu
39. Birik Mohammed – Keiyo Marakwet
40. Matilda Sakwa – Nandi
41. Pauline Dola – Bomet
42. Rashid Mohammed – Kericho
43. Albert Kobia – Kakamega
44. William Kiprono – Vihiga
45. Jamlick Baruga – Bungoma
46. Joyce Isiaho – Busia
47. Shadrack Mwadime – Nairobi