Return of 'powerful' chiefs loom in latest grassroots shakeup

Chiefs and their assistants salute as National Anthem is played at Gusii stadium during Kisii Governor Simba Arati's swearing-in on August 25, 2022. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Chiefs will have at least five police officers assigned to them and be required to keep work plans and a register of services, as the government mulls empowering grassroots administrators.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the considerations are intended to make the 3,950 chiefs and their 9,043 assistants more effective and accountable to the public.