Kiambu citizen seeks full rollout of grassroots administrative structures through petition
The Mt Kenya Times 
By Felix Njenga
A resident of Kiambu County has formally petitioned the County Assembly, calling for the immediate implementation of Village Administrators, Village Councils and Ward Administrative Complexes as part of efforts to strengthen devolution and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
The petition, presented yesterday by John Mweha Kariuki of Ndenderu Ward in Kiambaa Sub-County, urges county leaders to operationalize the provisions of Sections 52 and 53 of the County Governments Act, 2012, which provide for the establishment of village-level governance structures.
According to the petitioner, the delayed implementation of these legal provisions has hindered meaningful public participation, weakened accountability and reduced the effectiveness of county government services at the local level.
The petition requests the County Assembly to determine the current status of implementation before directing the County Executive Committee and the County Public Service Board to recruit Village Administrators and facilitate the formation of Village Councils.
As part of the proposed strategy, the petitioner recommends that the initiative begin with a pilot programme in Kiambaa Sub-County before being progressively expanded across all parts of Kiambu County.
It further calls for sufficient budgetary allocations to ensure the sustainability of the programme and the formulation of clear guidelines governing the creation of village units, remuneration of Village Administrators and operational support for Village Councils.
In addition, the petition advocates for the establishment of Ward Administrative Complexes on available public land. The proposed facilities would accommodate offices for Members of County Assembly, Ward Administrators and Village Administrators, while also housing Resource and Information Centres and Public Participation Halls to enhance citizen engagement and improve access to county services.
The petitioner cites Articles 10, 174 and 232 of the Constitution, arguing that the proposed reforms would reinforce the principles of devolution, transparency, accountability and participatory governance while bringing government services closer to residents.
After submitting the petition to the Clerk of the County Assembly of Kiambu, with a copy forwarded to Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi, John Mweha Kariuki expressed confidence that the Assembly would give the matter due consideration in line with its constitutional responsibilities of legislation, representation and oversight.
If adopted, the recommendations are expected to strengthen grassroots governance, improve coordination of public services and create more effective channels for public participation throughout Kiambu County.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Residents prioritize water, roads and health during public participation on KSh7.66B budget
- Ombudsman intervention forces Kimathi University to pay former lecturer millions in salary arrears
- KTDA pays KSh12 Million compensation to 44 families affected by Gura canal damage in Othaya
- University students challenged to lead Kenya’s anti-corruption fight
- MKU launches integrity club as EACC urges youth to reject corruption
About the Author
