Role and functions of chiefs and assistant chiefs
Ministry of Interior and National Administration · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Chiefs and assistant chiefs are national government officers for each location and sub-location. They give administrative support, help you reach government services, issue administrative letters and deal with community and security concerns.
- Where
- The chief's office for your location or the assistant chief's office for your sub-location
Steps
- Go to the chief's office for your location, or the assistant chief for your sub-location.
- Ask for what you need: help reaching a government service, an administrative letter (such as a chief's letter), or help with a community problem.
- To report a security concern, go to the chief, the assistant chief or the nearest police station.
- Ask your chief or assistant chief when the next public baraza is, if you want to take part.
Watch out
- A chief only has the powers the Constitution and the law give. Their job is to co-ordinate national government functions, not to act as a court.
- Chiefs are national government officers, in the same line as Assistant, Deputy and County Commissioners. They don't work for the county government.
Who this covers
- Anyone living in the area: go to the chief's office responsible for where you live.
Common questions
What are the roles of an assistant chief in a sub-location?
Chiefs and assistant chiefs give administrative support, help people reach government services, issue administrative letters and deal with community concerns. There is an assistant chief for every sub-location.
What is the difference between a chief and an assistant chief?
A chief is appointed for every location, and an assistant chief for every sub-location within it.
Who recruits and appoints chiefs and assistant chiefs?
The Public Service Commission, in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary.
Who is above the chief?
Chiefs and assistant chiefs are part of national government administration, together with Regional, County, Deputy County and Assistant County Commissioners.
Can I report a security problem to the chief?
Yes. You can report to the nearest police station, chief or assistant chief.
How do I find out when the next baraza is?
Ask your local chief or assistant chief about scheduled public barazas.
Official sources (2)
- FAQ interior.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- National Government Co-ordination Act, 2013 (No. 1 of 2013) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026