By Hope Barbra
In public imagination, the business of a County Assembly is often defined by spirited debates, passionate speeches, and occasional political standoffs.
Yet behind every Plenary sitting, every Bill passed, and every committee report lies an administrative engine that keeps the institution running. At the heart of that engine now sits Advocate Nashon Kusina Opanga, the new Clerk of Kisumu County Assembly.
His appointment marks more than a change in office. It is the culmination of years spent mastering the intricate operations of one of Kenya’s most important democratic institutions.
Unlike many public officials whose journeys begin in the spotlight, Opanga’s career has largely unfolded behind the scenes. As Deputy Clerk, he became one of the Assembly’s principal custodians of parliamentary procedure, ensuring that legislative business is conducted efficiently, lawfully, and in accordance with constitutional principles.
He first joined the County Assembly of Vihiga in 2013 as a Legal Officer before rising to be the Deputy Clerk, a position he has now held cumulatively for 12 years.
At the national level, he chairs the Deputy Clerks Council of Kenya, a body that brings together all the Deputy Clerks from the 47 County Assemblies in the country.
He played a pivotal role in crafting the County Assembly Services Act, 2017, a legislation that now guides operations of the County Assemblies in Kenya.
Those who have worked alongside him describe a professional whose strength lies not in public theatrics but in meticulous preparation, legal precision, and an unwavering commitment to institutional integrity. It is a reputation that has earned him the confidence of colleagues and positioned him to take up the Assembly’s highest administrative office.
“He is a very knowledgeable and experienced officer, and we have confidence in his ability to provide steady leadership and ensure continuity in the Assembly’s administrative and procedural functions,” says Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Lumumba Owade.
“He has practically demonstrated that he is equal to the task during the period he has served as Deputy Clerk, and we are sure he shall carry on from where Owen has left,” he added.
Built from Within
Leadership transitions often test an institution’s resilience. When long-serving Clerk Mr Owen Ojuok proceeded on terminal leave, the Assembly faced the task of preserving continuity while preparing for the future. In Opanga, it found both.
Having spent years within the institution, he understands not only its legal framework but also its culture, traditions, and evolving responsibilities. His rise reflects the value of institutional memory, a reminder that leadership can be cultivated through dedication, experience, and steady professional growth.
As Deputy Clerk, Opanga was deeply involved in coordinating legislative programmes, supporting committee work, advising on parliamentary procedure, and managing the Assembly Secretariat. While elected leaders occupied the public stage, he was among the professionals ensuring that the institution functioned effectively behind the curtain. That experience now becomes one of his greatest assets.
More Than an Administrator
The office of Clerk extends far beyond paperwork and protocol. It demands legal expertise, strategic leadership, financial accountability, and administrative excellence.
As the chief administrative and accounting officer of the County Assembly, Opanga is responsible for steering the Secretariat, safeguarding public resources, supporting the Speaker and Members of the County Assembly, and ensuring that every legislative process complies with constitutional and statutory requirements.
His legal training complements these responsibilities. As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he brings a disciplined understanding of governance and legislative interpretation, qualities that are increasingly indispensable as county governments navigate complex legal and policy questions.
A New Chapter for the Assembly
Opanga assumes office at a defining moment for devolved governance in Kenya. County assemblies continue to shoulder growing expectations from citizens who demand transparency, prudent use of public resources, meaningful public participation, and stronger oversight of county executives.
Meeting those expectations requires more than political leadership. It calls for capable institutions supported by professional administrators who understand both governance and public service.
For Opanga, the challenge is to build upon the Assembly’s achievements while modernising its operations and strengthening public confidence in the institution. He says his leadership would be guided by accountability, professionalism, and inclusivity as he seeks to improve the Assembly’s operations.
In his message of gratitude, he acknowledges the County Assembly Service Board and Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro for their confidence in his leadership.
He says his vision is focused on building a united, motivated, and high-performing Assembly administration where every staff member is treated with fairness and empowered to reach their full potential.
Central to his agenda is fostering synergy and ensuring equal opportunities for all staff members.
“One of the things that I felt when I came here is that there are so many staff who feel like they are not part and parcel of the family. That is one of the things that I want to work on,” he emphasised.
The Acting Clerk pledged to serve diligently, guided by the Constitution and public service values, while working to leave behind an institution that is robust, more efficient, more professional, and better equipped to serve the people of Kisumu County.
