A. POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF A DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This structure provides political leadership and policy direction.

1. District Council

Highest political authority in the district

Composed of:

District Chairperson (LC V)

Elected Councillors (representing sub-counties, municipalities, women, youth, PWDs)

Functions:

Makes district policies and ordinances

Approves budgets and development plans

Exercises oversight over the executive and administration

2. District Chairperson (LC V)

Political head of the district

Elected by universal adult suffrage

Functions:

Chairs the District Executive Committee

Provides political leadership

Represents the district at national and other forums

Oversees implementation of council decisions

3. District Executive Committee (DEC)

Composed of:

District Chairperson

Vice Chairperson

Secretaries (Portfolio holders e.g. Health, Education, Works)

Functions:

Initiates policies for council consideration

Coordinates political activities

Supervises service delivery

4. Standing Committees of Council

Sector-based committees (e.g. Finance, Social Services, Production)

Functions:

Scrutinize sector plans and budgets

Monitor departmental performance

Report findings to the full council

B. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF A DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This structure handles technical and day-to-day management.

1. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Accounting Officer of the district

Appointed by the Public Service Commission

Functions:

Heads the district public service

Implements council policies

Manages finances and human resources

Advises council on technical matters

2. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO)

Assists the CAO

Acts in absence of the CAO

3. Heads of Departments

Each department is headed by a District Officer or Head of Department:

District Education Officer (DEO)

District Health Officer (DHO)

District Engineer

District Production Officer (DPO)

District Planner

District Community Development Officer (DCDO)

District Natural Resources Officer (DNRO)

District Commercial Officer (DCO)

District Internal Auditor

District Information Officer

District Environment Officer

Functions:

Technical planning and implementation

Supervision of lower local governments

Reporting to CAO and council committees

4. Statutory and Support Offices

District Service Commission (DSC)

District Public Accounts Committee (DPAC)

District Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU)

District Internal Audit

Human Resource Office

Finance Department

C. LOWER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS STRUCTURE

1. Municipal Councils / Town Councils

Headed politically by a Mayor or Town Council Chairperson

Administratively headed by a Town Clerk

2. Sub-Counties

Political head: LC III Chairperson

Administrative head: Sub-County Chief

3. Parishes

Political head: LC II Chairperson

Administrative head: Parish Chief

4. Villages

Political head: LC I Chairperson

D. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARMS

Political leaders provide policy direction and oversight

Technical staff implement policies professionally

Both arms work together to ensure effective service delivery