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12 days before the polls, the Chiefs salaries were doubled as recorded in this newspaper heading. This time around, the new constitution has wiped this position and many chiefs after the poll may find themselves jobless. The new constitution did not protect the post of the Chief. The Governor and county legislators taking control of the 47 Counties may not need Chiefs to manage their county. The best option is for chiefs to run for elected office. “Do the Chiefs have a chance to win County assembly seats and become legislators?” Many believe they can and if they did this would be a second pay hike with an election. However if one does not run then this were suggestions based on the 8 provinces that we found amusing and entertaining.

Western - Professional Beer Tasters
In a discussion Western Province said, “Many chiefs were used to drinking free beer. They had perfected the art of blackmail. Either one gives something small, a protection fee or gives a free drink.” Adding, “Since the chiefs got the beer for free, “Well if their jobs are scrapped, they can become professional beer tasters,” said the citizen.

Nyanza – Ambassadors of Poverty
Someone from Nyanza Province felt that chiefs need not be irrelevant. “Since they know a lot of people on the ground and understand the problems of their people, they can become ambassadors for poverty eradication.” Nyanza province is today listed as the poorest in the country. “There is nothing wrong with them giving people a few tips on how to grow economically at the same time advocating for them on job opportunities.” The problem with this argument is the same chiefs have always being there as the poverty has grown. How then can they be Ambassadors?

Eastern  – Irrigation Developers
“Chiefs should take up irrigation projects,” a rational voice from Eastern province said. “With rivers like Tana, Athi, Chania flowing through the hunger stricken region, Chiefs can create irrigation projects.” If these administers of people in a region can be hardworking, it can help, however, since they are used to getting things free, they might find themselves unable to do any business.

Central  – Jigger Eradicators
A passionate lady who said she is from Central said, “Chiefs should join organizations of the jigger eradication initiative. They know how much jiggers have been a menace in the region causing discomfort to their victims. This noble cause is ideal considering they know who is affected and also how they can be reached.” When development is of paramount importance in this day and age nobody should have jigger infestation. If the pay is good this is a noble job anyone should take up proudly. Where are jiggers mostly found in Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Nyeri?

North Eastern – Media Commentators
“Chiefs could become part of the media and continue reporting who has died of hunger.” In the past when Chief’s commented on deaths caused by hunger, they were seen as having accused the government they were representatives of in these regions. At least this time they will not be making comments that victimize them for they will not be part of the government. 

Rift Valley - Peace Ambassadors and Preachers
Having held the position of Chief when many were displaced, the befitting role they should play is become peace ambassadors and advocates of the displaced. After all they know who was displaced, who displaced them and how the post election violence emerged. They should consider becoming Men of God who preach peace and Ocampo, the Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court should consider attending their sermons as a main place for collection of evidence. 

Coast – Land Squatter Activists and Lobbyists
“In Coast chiefs should become activists and lobby on the land squatter issue,” says a resident of coast province. With all the squatters and landless people around, former chiefs should be among the loudest when it comes to calling the government to provide titles to the landless. After all they may also be landless and living as squatters. In one land where the chief lives in a village and the village is made up of squatters, the chief is said to remain silent when the landowner comes with a buyer and the youth of the village chase the owner and buyer away.

Nairobi – Garbage Collectors
In Nairobi chiefs were can be people who could open garbage companies to clean up the garbage in many areas. Since the garbage accumulated during their period as Chiefs, they are considered to have made a wise decision because they knew they would one day be required to help clean up. It is estimated the garbage clean up is a Kshs 20 billion business. With this kind of money waiting to be acquired, why not take up the business.

Hopefully some county assemblies will legislate laws for the role of Chiefs to continue as the County Government forms. One thing is for sure, the powers they have had will be gone and they shall no longer be the bosses of the people but the servants of the people as they report to an elected Governor representing the people of the county wishes.