Kibaki names 47 County Commissioners

President Mwai Kibaki appointed 47 County Commissioners Friday, effectively setting the stage for the formation of the county government as enshrined in the new Constitution.A statement from State House Nairobi said the president had acted in line with Section 17 of the sixth schedule of the Constitution.The schedule states: “Within five years after the effective date, the national government shall restructure the system of administration commonly known as the Provincial Administration to accord with and respect the system of devolved governments established under this constitution.”“Further, the fourth schedule of the Constitution clearly outlines the distinct functions of the national government and those of the county governments. President Mwai Kibaki has appointed County Commissioners to undertake coordination of National Government functions in the 47 counties,” the State House statement said.It said the county governors appointed on Friday shall responsible in coordinating security management, national Government functions and delivery of services, facilitate conflict management and peace-building, mobilise national government agencies for national events and programmes.They will also collaborate with the Kenya citizens and foreign nationals’ management service in the identification of persons for registration.Other functions include promoting and enhancing national cohesion and integration to foster unity of the nation as well as coordinating the dissemination and implementation of national government policies and programmes.They will also manage and maintain administrative boundaries, security roads and airstrips.“As an immediate task, the County Commissioners will work closely with the Transitional Authority to register and compile a comprehensive portfolio of all government assets in the counties including land and buildings, equipment, vehicles, staff, documents and all other public resources.