Robert Alai calls for abolishment of deputy positions

By Robert Mutasi 

Kileleshwa Member of the County Assembly, Robert Alai, has sparked a heated debate on representative roles played by deputy officials in Kenyan political offices. 

Taking to his verified social media accounts on Saturday, 21st September 2024, Alai expressed his views on what he termed redundancy in the deputy roles among them Deputy President, Deputy Governor, and more.

Alai argued that deputy roles often provide more in massaging the egos of those higher placed than they do to actual useful governance. 

He said, "Deputy anything is just to make you feel like you are the boss while you aren't," adding that such positions could dilute accountability and decision-making within government structures.

The MCA remarks come amidst increased public scrutiny of the performance of deputy governors and other deputy officials. 

In that respect, a number of recent surveys by different organizations have pointed to the absence of satisfaction concerning the utility of such roles. 

To begin with, there is the study by the Institute of Economic Affairs which showed that a section of citizens feels that deputy governors do not play their role and usually do not involve themselves in critical local governance issues.

Those who criticise the deputy positions say these jobs usually lack mandates and, therefore, cause overlaps and confusion in governance.

A report by the Council of Governors showed some deputy governors could not represent their counties because of unclear job descriptions, something that contributed to inefficiency in the delivery of services.

Needless to say, this brings about questions of necessity and relevance to such a position in the current political dispensation.

To these views by Alai, some political analysts have suggested that what could work is some reshuffling of government roles for better accountability and efficiency in governance.

Others, though, have warned that such a move would create power vacuums and rupture systems of political patronage.

The question of deputy positions is not a new discussion; the argument has been replicated by various political leaders and individuals. While the debate rages on, Alai's sentiments may be what sets the fire alight toward more analysis of the governance structures in Kenya.

The topic raised by MP Robert Alai tends to bring forth a very critical issue within Kenyan politics.

With increasing demands by citizens that they be more accountable and effective in governance, the future of deputy roles may well be the issue politicians debate in the near future.