The duties of a Village Administrator in Kenya are important for the county administration at the village level. Section 52 of the County Governments Act establishes the Office of the Village Administrator in each village.
Each county government shall decentralize its functions and provision of services to the:
- urban area and cities,
- sub-counties (constituencies),
- wards,
- village units, and
- even further down as the county may determine.
Therefore, the duties of a Village Administrator in Kenya apply at the village unit.
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The Roles Of A Village Administrator In Kenya
A village administrator shall coordinate, manage and supervise the general administrative functions in the village including–
- pursuant to paragraph 14 of Part II of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution–
- ensuring and coordinating the participation of the village unit in governance; and
- assisting the village unit to develop the administrative capacity for the effective exercise of the functions and powers and participation in governance at the local level;
- the exercise of any functions and powers delegated by the County Public Service Board under section 86 of the County Governments Act.
Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution deals with the functions of the county governments in Kenya. Paragraph 14 of this schedule states one of the functions of county governments as follows-
Ensuring and coordinating the participation of communities and locations in governance at the local level and assisting communities and locations to develop the administrative capacity for the effective exercise of the functions and powers and participation in governance at the local level.
Section 86(1) of the County Governments Act states that “The County Public Service Board may delegate, in writing, any of its functions to any one or more of its members and the county secretary, county chief officer, sub-county or Ward administrator, village administrator, city or municipal manager and town administrators.”
In carrying out the functions and obligations of the office of the Village Administrator, the Village Administrator is responsible to the relevant Ward Administrator.
Other functions that a specific county may assign to a Village Administrator in Kenya include–
- coordinating general administrative functions and provision of services in the village;
- assisting in dissemination and implementation of policies and plans at the village;
- assisting in developing and implementing activities to empower communities;
- monitoring and reporting on infrastructure and public facilities status;
- facilitating citizen participation in village councils;
- mobilizing citizens to attend public participation events or activities;
- mobilizing and educate citizens to participate in development projects;
- preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports;
- performing any other function delegated by the supervisor (Ward Administrator);
Qualifications Of A Village Administrator In Kenya
Now that we have outlined the roles of a Village Administrator, what are the qualifications of a Village Administrator in Kenya?
A Village Administrator shall have professional qualifications and technical knowledge in administration. The County Public Service Board shall appoint the Village Administrator in accordance with the provisions of the County Governments Act.
Section 65 of the County Governments Act prescribes some matters for the County Public Service Board to consider during appointments, etc. In selecting candidates for appointment, the County Public Service Board shall consider–
- the standards, values and principles set out in Articles 10, 27(4), 56(c) and 232(1) of the Constitution;
- the prescribed qualifications for holding or acting in the office;
- the experience and achievements attained by the candidate;
- the conduct of the candidate in view of any relevant code of conduct, ethics and integrity;
- the need to ensure that at least thirty per cent of the vacant posts at the entry-level are for candidates who are not from the dominant ethnic community in the county;
- the need for open and transparent recruitment of public servants; and
- individual performance.
However, in determining whether an appointment happens in a fair and transparent manner, the overriding factors shall be merit, fair competition and representation of the diversity of the county.
Other Qualifications for a Village Administrator
Some (or most) counties also provide additional or specific requirements if there is a vacancy to perform the duties of a Village Administrator in Kenya. Some of these qualifications include:
- post-secondary education;
- be a Kenyan citizen;
- be a resident of the respective village;
- satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution (on leadership and integrity);
- have knowledge of certain key areas (for example, knowledge of devolution, and familiarity with the county, its policies and its administrative structure);
- work experience (in management and administration usually ranging from no experience to up to five years experience);
- use of technology such as computer literacy;
- strong organizational skills;
- responsible attitude and ability to work on own initiatives;
- excellent oral and written communication;
- team player;
- interact professionally with clients and associates;
- proficiency in using standard office equipment; and
- sound judgement and ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction.
To see if the candidate meets the threshold of Chapter Six for the roles of a Village Administrator in Kenya, a county government may ask the applicant for clearance from:
- Kenya Revenue Authority.
- Higher Education Loans Board.
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
- Credit Reference Bureau.
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The county governments usually encourage marginalized groups (youth, women, persons with disabilities) to apply for vacancies in this office.
A person may find other requirements in the advertisement of the county government for the Village Administrator position. These include a CV, national ID or Passport, testimonials, and academic and professional certificates.
Village Administrators salary in Kenya
For any county government to meet the roles of Village Administrator, the officeholder requires compensation.
But how much does a Village Administrator earn in Kenya? Or what is the Village Administrators salary in Kenya?
Salary, allowances and other benefits for Village Administrators are as per the rates the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) prescribes. The minimum amount is KES 61,910 in gross pay and the maximum amount is KES 71,880 in gross pay. Gross pay includes both the basic pay and allowances. The allowances and benefits are based on SRC’s 2013 circular on remuneration and benefits(External Link) for county public servants.