However the eight provinces central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western have been replaced by the 47 Kenya counties that will be second level of governance after the national government.
Kenya County Assembly
It will consist of members elected by voters of the wards each ward being a single member constituency representatives of people with disabilities and the youth nominated by political parties depending on their strength in the assembly and the Speaker, an ex officio member. A county assembly is elected for a term of five years. The Speaker will be elected by the county assembly from among people who are not members of the assembly.
The Speaker presides or in his or her absence, a member of elected by the assembly. A county assembly
may make laws necessary for the effective performance of the county government. The assembly, also
exercises oversight over the executive committee and other county organs.
Kenya County executive committees
The executive authority of the county is exercised by a county executive committee comprising the governor, deputy governor and members appointed by the county governor with the approval of the assembly.
The number of executive committee members should not exceed a third of the county assembly members if it has less than 30 members or l0 if the assembly has 30 or more members. The county governor and the deputy county governor are the chief executive and deputy chief executive of the county.
When the governor is absent, the deputy governor acts as governor. A person cannot hold office of governor or deputy governor for more than two terms.
Removal of a county governor in Kenya
A governor can be removed for violating the Constitution, co1n1nitting a crime under national or international law, abuse of office, gross misconduct or physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of the office.
Vacancy in the office of county governor in Kenya
It becomes vacant if the holder dies, resigns and writes a letter to the Speaker of the county assembly or ceases to be eligible to be elected governor. The office also becomes vacant if the governor is convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for at least 12 months or is removed from office.
If a vacancy occurs, the deputy governor assumes office as governor for the remainder of the term. In such a case, the deputy governor is deemed to have served a full term as county governor if more than two and a half years remain before the next election. If a vacancy occurs in the offices of the governor and deputy governor, the speaker of the county assembly acts as the governor. An election of governor is then held within 60 days.
Functions of county executive committees in Kenya
It implements county legislation, national legislation that applies to counties, manages and coordinates
the county administration. The executive committee can also prepare legislation for consideration by the county assembly. lt must also provide regular reports to the county assembly.
Kenya County boundaries
They can be altered only by a resolution recommended by an independent commission setup by Parliament and passed by two – thirds support of the National Assembly and the same number of the Senate. The boundaries can also be altered due to population density and demographic trends, physical and human infrastructure, historical and cultural ties, the cost of administration, views of the communities affected and geographical features
Suspension of a county government in Kenya
The President may suspend a county government due to internal conflict, war or other exceptional circumstances. The suspension cannot be for more than 90 days and when it is over, elections are held.
A county government cannot be suspended unless an independent commission of inquiry has investigated allegations against the county, the President is satisfied the allegations are justified and the Senate has authorized the suspension. During suspension, arrangements must be made for the performance of the functions of a county government and the Senate can terminate the suspension.
LAMU COUNTY.
Lamu County is located in the northern coast of Kenya. It borders the following counties; Garissa to the North, The Indian Ocean to the South and South East, and Tana River to the South West and West.
Area (Km 2): 6,273.1 Km 2
Climate/Weather: The average temperature is 27.3 °C and rainfall averages 950mm per annum.
Road Network: Bitumen Surface (6 Km), Gravel Surface (161.1 Km), Earth Surface (521.5 Km)
Key National Monument(s): Boni – Dodori National Reserve, Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, Siyu Fort, Takwa Ruins, Swahili House, German Post Office, Lamu Old Town, Kiunga Marine National Reserve and Lake Kenyatta Mpeketoni.
Population of Lamu County
Population: 101,539 (Male 52 %, Female 48 %)Population Density: 16 people per Km 2
National Percentage: 0.26 %
Annual Growth Rate: 2.47 %
Age Distribution: 0-14 years (41.7 %), 15-64 years (54.8 %), 65+ years (3.5 %)
Number of Households: 22,184
GOVERNMENT OF LAMU COUNTY.
County Capital: Lamu Town (proposed)Number of Constituencies (2010): 2 (Lamu East and Lamu West)
Registered Voters: 38,067
National percentage: 0.3 %
Number of Districts (2009): 1 (Lamu District)
Number of Local Authorities (2010): 1 (County Council of Lamu)
ECONOMY OF LAMU COUNTY.
Poverty Level: 31.6 %Age Dependency Ratio: 100:82
Resources: Wildlife, Livestock, Water, Tourist Attraction Sites
Tourist Attractions: National Monuments, Pate Ruins, Manda Island, Matondoni Dhow making village, Maulidi Festival, Lamu Cultural Festival
Financial Services: 2 Commercial Banks, 3 Micro-Finance
Main Economic Activities/industries: Fishing, Livestock, Sand and Ballast Quaries, Commercial Businesses
Agricultural products: Simsim, Mangoes, Cashewnuts, Livestock Products
EDUCATION IN LAMU COUNTY.
Number of Institutions (2007): Primary (70), Secondary (11)Primary: Enrolment (22,633)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1:40 (Public Schools)
Secondary: Enrolment (972)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1:39 (Public Schools)
Tertiary: Less than 5 (Includes a Youth Polytechnic and Some Commercial Colleges)
Adult Literacy Classes: Enrolment (Data Not Available)
HEALTH IN LAMU COUNTY.
Health Facilities: 42 – District Hospitals (1), Sub-District Hospitals (2), Dispensaries (20), Health Centres (5), Medical Clinics (13), Nursing Home (1)Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:36,343
Infant Mortality Rates: 72/1000
Under Five Mortality Rates: 123/1000
Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Respiratory Tract Infections and Skin Diseases.
Notable Hospitals: Lamu District Hospital, Faza Hospital, Mpeketoni Sub-District Hospital
BY MURIGI BENSON - GOVERNOR LAMU COUNTY 2017
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