Chapter 11

Devolved Government

Articles 174–200

Counties and devolution

In the classroom: Sovereign power is partly exercised at county level; there are 47 counties; county governments have legislative and executive functions; national and county governments must cooperate.

Article 174 — Objects of devolution

Democratic participation; protection of minorities; equitable sharing of resources; checks and balances.

Article 176 — County governments

Each county has an assembly and executive; county governments are distinct from national government.

Article 185 — County legislation

County assemblies make laws for their counties within constitutional limits.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Kenya has how many counties?

A) 47 (Article 188) B) 40 C) 290 D) 14

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 188 provides for boundaries of counties — there are 47 counties.

2. Chapter Eleven covers:

A) Devolved government B) Only Parliament C) Only the military D) Foreign affairs

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Eleven is titled Devolved Government.

3. Objects of devolution in Article 174 include:

A) Democratic participation and equitable sharing of resources B) Only taxation C) Only Nairobi D) Abolishing counties

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 174 lists objects including democratic participation and equitable sharing.

4. A county government consists of:

A) County assembly and county executive (Article 176) B) Only a governor C) Only MPs D) The Senate

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 176 provides for county assembly and county executive.

5. The Senate’s special role in county matters includes:

A) Considering county allocation of revenue bills B) Running all counties C) Appointing governors D) Dissolving Parliament

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — The Senate considers bills concerning county allocation of revenue and other county matters under Articles 96–97 and related provisions.

6. If a county government is dysfunctional, Article 192 allows:

A) Suspension subject to strict conditions and time limits B) Permanent abolition without process C) Military rule D) No remedy

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 192 provides for suspension of a county government under conditions.

7. Functions of county governments are listed in:

A) Fourth Schedule B) First Schedule only C) Article 1 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — The Fourth Schedule distributes functions between national and county governments.

8. A county governor is elected for:

A) Five years (Article 180) B) Life C) Two years D) Seven years

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 180 provides for election and term of county governor.

9. Intergovernmental relations require:

A) Cooperation between levels of government (Chapter Eleven) B) No contact C) Only conflict D) Counties to obey national only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — The Constitution requires cooperation and consultation between national and county governments.

10. County assemblies make laws known as:

A) County laws within assigned functions B) Acts of Parliament C) Treaties D) Supreme Court rules

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — County assemblies legislate for their counties within constitutional and statutory limits.

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