Our Mandate

Functions of Local Authorities (Councils)

The Council derives its mandate from the Local Government Act which lists the following as overall functions of Local Authorities:

• Maintain law and order and effective administration of Local Authorities to ensure national security;
• Control the keeping and movement of livestock, slaughtering of animals, sale of meat and enforce the disposal of diseased animals carcasses or meat unfit for human consumption;
• Take measures for storage, market and preservation of agricultural produce and conservation of natural resources;
• Control the manufacture, storage, sale and use of petroleum, fireworks, gas and other dangerous substances;
• Construct and maintain public roads, streets, sanitary lanes, bridges and water courses;
• Establish and maintain sanitation and drainage systems for removal of refuse and effluent;
• Provide registration of births, marriages, deaths, clubs, and enumeration of persons or property;
• Establish and maintain colleges, schools and day nurseries;
• Prepare and administer schemes for community participation in development;
• Establish and maintain a system of street lighting in public places;

Capabilities of Councils after Devolution

• Local Councils already provide tremendous public services to enhance social and economic development.
• Levels of capabilities differ depending on development and status.
• Service provision depends on the balance of income over expenditure.
• The Decentralization Policy empowers local communities by devolving authority and resources.

Resources Accessed by Local Councils

• Depends on sources of income for each Council.
• Smaller Councils may have smaller annual budgets, e.g., K2.2 billion.
• District Councils receive grants for capital projects; bigger councils generate local revenue.

Councils as Institutions of Public Service Delivery

• Credibility comes from being legally established by an Act of Parliament as agents of the Central Government.

Local Democratic Governance

• Councils operate a representative system to elect members with local policy powers.
• Ensure bottom-up decision-making and citizen participation.
• Area-based interest groups are involved in community development.
• Residents of a ward can seek election as Councillors.