The majority of young people in our country rarely engage with the office of the chief. Is this because they don’t fully grasp the office’s roles or is it because it’s perceived as solely dealing with domestic matters? In this week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday, we delved into understanding the chief’s office within our community and its authority. While chiefs are renowned for settling disputes, their roles extend beyond that, as outlined in the Chief’s Act.

During our discussion, participants were asked to share their perceptions of the chief’s roles. Some mentioned responsibilities like enforcing bans on illicit brews, handling domestic violence, representing government ministries, maintaining order, ensuring children attend school, source of information, confirming community membership, and authorizing birth and burial documents. Some of these duties might deter young people from engaging with the office.

We dissected the Chief’s Ac which was first enacted in 1937, to better understand the office’s functions. It remains unclear whether the office is constitutional post the 2010 constitution. From the Act, we identified key responsibilities: maintaining order, employing assistants within the community, be a source of government information and issuing lawful orders.

“I used to think the only role of the chief is to solve domestic violence issues and as well prohibit illicit brews. I also thought the office is only for the wazees only since almost all of them are kinda old.” Participant said

We also addressed the issue of Nyumba Kumi, clarifying that chiefs have the authority to appoint individuals to assist in their duties. Disobeying a chief’s lawful order can result in a fine or penal employment, while assaulting a chief carries severe consequences. We also shared that the chief is not responsible in mediating or creating a solution on any capital offences. One of the example was the chief should not even mediate any sexual violence or child marriage. That should be handled by the prosecutor and the court.

Under the leadership of the current Cabinet Secretary of Interior, Kindiki Kiture, it has been announced that every chief will be allocated five administration police officers. This move signals a significant shift, as chiefs and their assistants are poised to regain the influential status they once held, which evoked both admiration and criticism.

The presence of armed police officers at their disposal is set to amplify chiefs’ authority and influence within their communities. Historically, chiefs’ power and sway were greatly augmented by the attachment of Administration Police (AP) officers to their offices. This reinstatement of armed police support is likely to enhance chiefs’ ability to maintain order, enforce laws, and address community concerns effectively.

We continue to create spaces for young people to learn, unlearn and relearn something new. Young people should be able to walk to any government office without the fear of being judged and thrown out. We encouraged young people to interact with the office and the people appointed by the chief. See you on Tuesday.

To read more about the chiefs roles and responsibilities, read here