By CHIMPREPORTS
The Minister for Local Government, Mr. Raphael Magyezi, has reiterated the government’s commitment to hold elections for the lower administrative level despite the prevailing setbacks.
The Minister sounded the commitment while announcing the extension of the term of office of the LC1s and LC2s for a period not exceeding 180 days from January 6, 2024.
Magezi told the press that the extension was forced by, among others, logistical challenges, which prevented the holding of the elections.
He noted that the inadequate funding posed a big challenge in conducting the elections for the administrative units, adding that the Ministry is currently engaged in the crucial task of harmonizing administrative units, collaborating with relevant government agencies and local authorities.
The absence of clarity concerning the numbers, names, and boundaries of these units further impedes the election process.
“It is extremely difficult to conduct elections of the administrative units without adequate resources at the moment, and we are now hunting Sh59b for the exercise,” he said.
This is not the first time the government has extended the local council elections, and it remains to be seen, as the country prepares for the next general elections in 2025–2026.
The latest extension, which was gazetted under General Notice No. 2189 of 2023 and publicized in the New Vision Newspaper on January 2nd, 2024, received prior approval from the Cabinet on December 18, 2023. Minister Magyezi highlighted several reasons justifying this extension.
Recognizing the pivotal role of local councils, Minister Magyezi emphasized their contributions, as outlined in the Local Governments Act Sections 48-50 and other pertinent laws and government policies.
These roles include maintaining security and law and order, overseeing citizen registrations for national purposes, resolving disputes through Local Council Courts, monitoring service delivery, mobilizing communities for various initiatives, acting as a communication channel between communities and the government, and implementing key government programs aimed at wealth and job creation.
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