Who Represents You?

Understanding the Roles of MPs, Senators, and Governors

Author

Civic Scoop
September 13, 2024

In Kenya, we are fortunate to have a system of government where different leaders represent us at various levels. These leaders include Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators, and Governors, each playing a unique role in ensuring that our voices are heard and our needs are met.

But what exactly do these leaders do, and how do they represent you? Let’s break it down.

Members of Parliament (MPs): The Voice of the People

Who Are the MPs?

In Kenya's National Assembly, there are two main types of MPs:

  1. Constituency MPs:
    These are elected from specific areas called constituencies. They represent the local people, just like a class prefect represents your class.

  2. Special Interest MPs:
    These MPs are nominated to represent specific groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. They ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, similar to how your class rep might advocate for different students in your class.

What Do MPs Do?

MPs have the following important responsibilities:

  • Making Laws:
    They create and pass laws that affect everyone in the country.

  • Representing People:
    They listen to the concerns of their constituents and bring those issues to Parliament.

  • Overseeing the Government:
    They check that the government is doing its job properly and serving the people’s interests.

In other words: Just as a class prefect or class representative brings your class concerns to the school administration, MPs bring the voices of their communities to the National Assembly, ensuring that everyone is represented and heard.

Who Are the National Assembly?

When we mention the National Assembly of Kenya, above, this is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Kenya. The MPs are part of the National Assembly.

Facts about the National Assembly:

  • The National Assembly of Kenya consists of 349 members.

  • 290 of the total members are elected from single-member constituencies.

  • There are also 47 women representatives elected from each county.

  • Additionally, 12 members are nominated by political parties to represent special interests such as youth, persons with disabilities and workers.

Senators: Protectors of Counties

Who Are the Senators?

Each county in Kenya has its own Senator. They represent the county's interests in the Senate. There are therefore 47 Senators representing the 47 counties in Kenya.

What Do Senators Do?

Senators have two main responsibilities:

  1. Protecting County Interests:
    Senators make sure that their county gets the resources it needs from the national government, similar to how a coach ensures that their team has the necessary equipment and facilities.

  2. Making Laws:
    Senators participate in creating laws, especially those that affect counties and local governments. They work together with the other Senators to make sure that the laws are fair for everyone.

Senators and the National Government

In addition to their role in law-making and oversight, Senators also have the responsibility to approve certain appointments made by the President, such as those of the Chief Justice and other key officials.

In other words: Imagine your county as a football team, and the Senator as the team's coach. The coach's job is to make sure the team gets the resources it needs, like training equipment and proper facilities, and that the team is treated fairly in the league (country).
The Senator does something similar by making sure your county gets its fair share of resources from the national government.

Governors: The Leaders of Counties

Who Are County Governors?

The County Governor is the head of the county government and is responsible for the day-to-day management of county affairs. In Kenya, there are 47 Governors for the 47 county governments.

The County Governor is directly elected by voters registered in the county, on the same day as a general election of Members of Parliament. A Governor is however not able to hold office as a county governor for more than two terms.

What Do Governors Do?

  • Implement County Laws:
    They ensure that laws passed by the county assembly are put into action.

  • Manage County Resources:
    Governors oversee the allocation and use of resources within the county, including budgets and public services.

  • Deliver Services:
    They are responsible for providing essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure to the residents of their counties.

  • Represent the County:
    Governors represent their counties in national matters and advocate for their interests.

  • Lead the County Executive:
    They appoint a team of county officials, known as the county executive committee, to help manage different departments.

  • Address Local Issues:
    Governors work to solve local problems and improve the quality of life for their constituents.

In summary, governors play a crucial role in ensuring effective governance and service delivery at the county level in Kenya.

Why This Matters to You

Think of Kenya as a large company where:

  • Members of Parliament (MPs) are like the board members who set the company's policies.

  • Senators are like regional managers ensuring each branch (county) is treated fairly.

  • Governors are the branch managers who run the day-to-day operations.

Understanding who represents you and what they do is important because it helps you know who to approach when you have issues or concerns.

Whether it’s a problem with a local road, a need for more schools, or a desire to influence national policy, knowing the roles of your Member of Parliament (MP), Senator, and Governor allows you to engage with them effectively.


Additional Resources to check out:

We hope you have learnt or clarified your understanding of the role of your leaders in Government.

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