Power contestation between governors and their deputies derail good governance principles, impeding the timely implementation of the county development agenda.
This persists against the myriad of developmental challenges facing counties, negatively impacting the overall well-being of the citizens.
The tense working relations lead to delays in policy formulation and implementation, yet counties are full-fledged centres for economic development.
The status quo impedes equitable resource allocation, derailing development agendas. This leads to political polarisation and divisiveness in county politics that has detrimental effects on governance and decision-making.
It also impedes the ability to form compromise and practical dialogue necessary for addressing the most pressing policy challenges.
Therefore, forestalling the negative effects of political rivalry is vital to revitalising good governance and county public service delivery.
Counties should establish building bridge initiatives to identify and promote good governance practices and policies and an impartial and independent conflict resolution mechanism consisting of qualified mediators for fostering meaningful dialogues.
On March 14, 2025, the High Court upheld the 2024 Senate decision to impeach Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The ouster and the inauguration of Isaac Mutuma, the immediate deputy governor, as the new Meru governor attests to the protracted power struggles at counties. Political contentions between county governors and their deputies remain a significant challenge within the framework of devolved governance. This persists against the myriad of developmental challenges facing counties.
Since the implementation of the devolution system in 2013, conflicts between these two key positions have been common. Tense working relations hinder collaborative decision-making and negatively impact the overall well-being of the citizens, yet counties are full-fledged centres for economic development.
Barely three years after the previous General Election there have been disputes between these offices in various counties, including Meru, Siaya, Kericho, Baringo, and most recently Kisii.
Here are some of the significant drawbacks to the persistent power wrangles in counties:
Power scuffles contribute to inconsistent development policies and priorities. This is due to delays in policy formulation and implementation of the county development agenda.
The frequent hostilities in power relations among the county executives and MCAs negatively influence the timely execution of their responsibilities and mandates.
The rivalries lead to policy instability and frequent shifts in development priorities. This often stems from a lack of shared vision for good governance and sustainable development. As a result, there may be abrupt changes in policies and development programmes, creating uncertainty and disrupting long-term planning.
Poor relations hinder political consensus, compromises, and constructive dialogue necessary for progressive policy implementation and development in the counties.
This can be exacerbated by differences in leadership styles, political backgrounds, and competing future political interests. However, Chapter 11 of the Constitution on devolution, does not provide county-level alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in case of a fallout.
It presumed there would be cooperation and a positive working relationship between the two senior executives within the county. Consequently, the political squabbles are never resolved in an amicable manner leading to toxic working relations, and simmering relations between county staff allied to the feuding bosses.
This results in delayed implementation of the county manifestos as witnessed in Meru, Baringo, Kericho and Siaya counties.
Chances of abandoning and misallocation of resources are high due to simmering working relations and political confrontations in the counties.
Power contestation between county governors and their deputies derail the exercising of good governance principles, impeding the implementation of the county agenda.
