TYPES OF POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA

The entire chapter 11 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 has been dedicated to expound on matters devolution. Additionally, the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution names the Counties and breaks down the various powers and functions, to national and county governments respectively. Further, sharing and devolution of power, is a principle of good governance as stipulated in article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya. Article 186 of the Constitution defines the respective powers and functions of the national and county governments. There are exclusive, concurrent/shared and residual powers and functions. Exclusive powers refer to those that the national and county government can undertake as set out in the Fourth Schedule; Shared powers whereby the county and national government work together in the performance of the functions and lastly; Residual functions whereby neither the county nor the national government have been assigned the said roles formally.