2.4 Structure and Functions of Government – national and county

2.4 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT – NATIONAL AND COUNTY

National government

Structure

– Executive Branch: The executive branch at the national level is headed by the President, who is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected by the citizens through a direct popular vote.

– Legislature: The national legislature is known as the Parliament and consists of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. Members of Parliament are elected through general elections.

– Judiciary: The judiciary is an independent arm of the government responsible for interpreting and applying the law. It consists of various courts, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and subordinate courts.

Functions

1. Policy formulation: The national government is responsible for formulating national policies, strategies, and plans. It sets the overall direction for the country and addresses national issues such as defense, foreign affairs, national security, and macroeconomic policies.
   2. National legislation: The national government formulates and enacts laws that are applicable across the entire country. This includes legislation related to national security, trade, finance, and other matters under its jurisdiction.
   3. National administration: The national government manages the administration of the country and implements policies at the national level. It oversees national institutions, public services, and the civil service.

   County government

   Structure

   – Executive branch: Each of the 47 counties in Kenya has its own county government headed by a Governor, who is elected by the residents of the county. The Governor is the chief executive officer of the county.

   – Legislature: Each county has a County Assembly, which is responsible for enacting county legislation and representing the interests of the county residents. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are elected by the residents through county-level elections.

   – Judiciary: The judiciary also exists at the county level, with subordinate courts that handle matters within the county’s jurisdiction.

   Functions

   1. Devolved functions: The county government is responsible for devolved functions, which are transferred from the national government to the county level. This includes areas such as healthcare, agriculture, transport, urban planning, county public services, and local administration.
   2. Legislation and policy implementation: The county government formulates and enacts county-specific legislation and policies to address the needs and priorities of the county. It implements and manages programs and services at the county level.
   3. County administration: The county government manages the administrative affairs of the county, including the provision of public services, infrastructure development, and the coordination of county-level institutions and departments.