GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10535

Pursuant to the provisions of section 11(3) of the Act, the swearing-in ceremony of the County Governor is to be conducted in a public place before a High Court Judge. The Judiciary appointed the Hon. Lady Justice Dora Chepkwony for purposes of swearing-in the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect. Budget for the Swearing-in Ceremony To facilitate the activities of the Committee, Kenya shillings eighteen million, nine hundred and forty-three thousand and two hundred (KSh. 18,943,200/=) was allocated for purposes of the swearing-in ceremony. Operations of the Committee Formation of Sub-Committees of the Committee Section 7 of the Act grants the Committee power to establish sub- committees for the better carrying out of its functions. It is in this regard that the committee vide a resolution made at a meeting held on the 8th July, 2022 formed the following sub-committees— (a) Budget and Finance; (b) Co-ordination and Logistics; (c) Protocol and Security; and (d) Legal. Further, section 7 (2) of the Act gives the Committee power to co- opt persons whose knowledge and skills are necessary for the effective functioning of the Committee. It is on this basis that the Committee co-opted members into sub-committees. Budget and Finance Sub-Committee Section 21 of the Act provides that the funding for the Committee shall be borne by a County Government. The Committee constituted the Budget and Finance Sub-committee to oversee the financial mandate of the Committee. Terms of Reference The sub-committee was responsible for the following— (a) prepare a budget for the swearing-in ceremony; (b) procurement as per the budget; (c) payment of sitting allowances to the committee and sub- committees; and (d) submission of the following information— (i) an up to date assets register; (ii) an up to date register of liabilities; (iii) a complete list of all bank accounts and reconciled balances Co-ordination and Logistics Sub-Committee Terms of Reference The sub-committee was responsible for the following– (a) facilitate the swearing-in ceremony for the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect; (b) organize for transport during the swearing-in ceremony; (c) ensure publicity and communication prior to the swearing-in event; and (d) carry out any other activity necessary for the performance of its functions under the Act and perform any other function assigned to it under any other written law. Protocol and Security Sub-Committee Introduction Section 17 of the Act provides that the head of the National Police Service in the county shall ensure the provision of adequate security during the conduct of the swearing-in ceremony. It is in this regard that the Committee constituted the Protocol and Security Sub- committee. Terms of Reference The terms of reference for the sub-committee included the following – (a) advise the committee on security arrangements for the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect upon final declaration of the gubernatorial result; (b) advise the committee on security measures for the venue of the inauguration ceremony; and (c) oversight security operations during the transition period. Legal Sub-Committee Terms of Reference The terms of reference for the sub-committee included the following – (a) advise the committee on legal matters; (b) undertake co-ordination with the judiciary on the assumption of office of Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect; (c) gazette the date, time and place of swearing-in the Governor- elect and Deputy Governor-elect; (d) prepare the oath and certificate for inauguration; and (e) assemble the tools of power for the assumption. Challenges, Recommendations and Conclusion Introduction This chapter addresses challenges faced by the Committee during the execution of its mandate, make recommendations and conclusions. Challenges— (a) the Committee experienced high expectation from the general public including facilitation to attend, sitting space at all venues of the event and provision of meals and refreshments; (b) time constraints in procurement of goods and services from service providers; (c) access to the venue posed a challenge to Persons with Disabilities; (d) delayed identification of guests led to late distribution of invitation cards; (e) the high demand of attendance for the luncheon by the public resulting to attempts to gain unauthorized access to the venue; (f) budget constraints created a gap in planning and execution of key activities of the event; and 8016 8016 (g) the cancellation and postponement of the date for the gubernatorial election by the IEBC affected the Committee’s planning and logistical arrangements. Recommendations— (a) members of the public should be sensitized about the role and mandate of the Assumption of Office of Governor Committee and the importance of the event so as to manage their expectations; (b) there is need to make Regulations in line with section 24 of the Act for better carrying out of the provisions of the Act; (c) the Committee should ensure access to venue and other facilities by Persons with Disabilities; (d) the Committee should develop a tool for invitees to the Swearing-in Ceremony and all concerned stakeholders to avail lists of identified guests on declaration of the Governor-elect, not later than three (3) days to the event; (e) enhance security features on the invitation and luncheon cards for future ceremonies including serialization and perforation, accompanied by a list of guests; (f) provide alternative luncheon venues for invited guests; (g) timely provision of the budget ceiling for the committee will enhance actual planning of key activities; (h) security management should be enhanced, including screening and crowd control; and (i) the County Government to invest in event management facilities to save on cost; and (j) adequate budget provision to meet the expectations of the stakeholders. Conclusion The activities of the Assumption of Office of Governor Committee were successful as evidenced by the smooth progression of the Swearing-in ceremony held at Bukhungu Stadium; luncheon at Golf Hotel and the extended luncheons at both the sworn in Governor and sworn in Deputy Governor’s residences. Further, the Committee facilitated a smooth transition of the County Leadership. Dated the 14th October, 2022. JAMES OCHAMI, Chairperson, Assumption of the MR/4300277 Office of County Governor Committee.