Government is in for a county headache

Written by K24
Thursday, 26 August 2010 11:08

Minister for Justice And Constitutional Affairs Mutula Kilonzo has conceded that the creation of county governments is the single biggest challenge facing the implementation face of the new Constitution. The minister however says that there have been consultations with other countries that have implemented a similar system, for advice on how to best proceed.

Friday's promulgation of the new Constitution heralds a new dawn for Kenya, where the country's 8 provinces are now set to pave way to 47 county governments. With a few hours to go before the historic event, the state is already grappling with the onset of the county revolution that will redefine Kenya's internal boundary lines.

Mr Kilonzo has already expressed concern that the creation of county governments is going to be a major challenge in the implementation process. He says that all other laws in the new Constitution have been implemented elsewhere, but county governments are a unique case, that will force the government to restructure the country.

The minister, who was addressing members of the Civil Society Congress emphasized the need for county legislation to be drafted early enough so that the public may deliberate on it, and encouraged feedback.