Governors Summoned After Evidence Emerges of Crisis in Kisumu County

The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has agreed to invite county governors to discuss a growing governance problem that is posing an existential threat to the efficiency of municipal boards in all 47 counties.

This action has come after evidence was provided by the chairpersons of municipal boards in Kisumu County.

Lordvick Otieno and others explained that although they had been granted constitutional status, the autonomy of municipal boards had been undermined by too much centralization from the county governments.

In their view, the purpose of devolution had not been achieved since their legal powers had been watered down by unnecessary interference from the county governments.

According to the representatives of the Maseno-Holo, Muhoroni-Chemelili, Kombewa-Bodi, Ahero-Awasi, Katitu-Pap Onditi, and Kisumu City municipal boards, their organizations had become extensions of the executive branch of government.

They further complained that their resolutions were being ignored because of a lack of resources and authority.

Financial Constraints and Administrative Breakdown

Otieno detailed how municipal boards are unable to execute their mandates due to what he termed “deliberate financial starvation.”

He revealed that boards often receive only 30 to 40 percent of their approved budgets, leaving them incapable of meeting operational obligations.

“Boards pass resolutions to manage local affairs but lack the statutory authority or liquidity to implement them,” Lordvick said, adding that members have effectively become “powerless observers of municipal activities.”

Essential services such as electricity, water, and office supplies are reportedly excluded from budget disbursements by county treasuries.

Further compounding the crisis, municipal managers are said to bypass the boards entirely, opting instead to coordinate directly with County Executive Committee members.

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Committee Calls for Fact-Based Testimonies

Even as the matter was very grave, the committee, led by Abbas Mohamed, insisted that all accusations be backed up by facts.

Senators urged the officers not to make blanket statements but to provide evidence of the misconduct.

“Even before you came, the committee was concerned about the implementation of the Urban Areas and Cities Act,” said Catherine Mumma, the committee’s vice chairperson.

“Clearly, this will trigger that conversation. So, give us better particulars, we don’t want to discuss rumours,” Mumma added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Peris Tobiko warned that the inquiry would not proceed without verifiable documentation.

“Do you have evidence of these allegations? If you don’t provide the evidence, this will be hearsay, and it will not hold water,” Tobiko stated.

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Nationwide Audit of Devolution Structures

In response to the claims, the committee resolved to summon Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to respond to the allegations leveled against his administration.

“We have heard your case. We will subsequently invite the Governor of Kisumu and all other governors to address these issues,” Senator Mohamed Abbas directed.

“If there is a lacuna in the Act, we will amend it to fully streamline the municipal boards’ functions,” Abbas added.

The committee also plans to engage County Public Service Boards nationwide as part of a comprehensive review of how devolved units are implementing the Urban Areas and Cities Act and the Public Finance Management Act.

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Photo of a past Senate Session. PHOTO/Senate.