The Kakamega county executive has generated a bill to create offices for the spouses of the governor and deputy.
But there is striking provision in it: Being the governor or deputy governor’s spouse does not entitle one to the office.
The proposed bill outlines the functions of the offices and the qualifications of the occupiers, who would be appointed by the governor or deputy.
“The office shall consist of the governor’s spouse who shall be nominated by the governor, deputy governor’s spouse nominated by deputy governor and one personal assistant, two programme officers, one office administrative assistant, one driver and two support staff to be appointed by the county public service board,” the bill says.
The bill drew mixed reactions when it was subjected to public participation yesterday, with some members of the public criticising the provisions on the appointment on grounds that it could be exploited by dishonest county bosses to hire relatives and friends.
One of the key highlights of the proposed law, which is a departure from the norm, states that being the first wife or legally wedded governor’s wife or husband does not automatically guarantee one the office and its privileges.
“If a governor has more than one spouse, then it will be up to him or her to decide which one to appoint to the office of the governor's spouse's office,” said County Public Service committee chairman Willis Opuka
Among other attributes, the person must be knowledgeable and caring and can be fired by the appointing authority without reference to anyone.
Opuka was at pains to explain why a marriage certificate or marital children could not be used to determine the holder of that office in the bill.
“This bill seeks to legalise this office and create a budget for it. It also addresses conflicts that could arise in the family and hold the governor captive.
"At the moment, it draws its funding from the office of the governor and cannot be subjected to an audit,” Opuka explained.
He went on that the office was important to the success of the governor and that’s why they thought about the occupier getting an official appointment.
“So that again an estranged wife or husband does not walk into the office simply because he has a marriage certificate,” he said.
Asked if the new offices would not strain the public coffers, Opuka said the assembly would seek advice from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission before debating and voting.
The bill states that the source of funds for the office shall consist of monies allocated by the county assembly for the purpose of the office within the budget line of the office of the governor.
“The monies shall be used for administrative expenses of the office and such other purposes as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions of the office.”
