Mayor of Kitwe
| Mayor of Kitwe | |
|---|---|
| Kitwe City Council | |
| |
| Seal of Kitwe City Council | |
| Incumbent | Ms. Mpasa Mwaya |
| In office since | 2021 |
| Style | The Honourable |
| Status | Political Head of Kitwe City Council |
| Member of | Kitwe City Council |
| Seat | Kitwe City Council Chambers, Kitwe, Zambia |
| Appointer | Elected by residents of Kitwe |
| Term length | 4 years |
| Constituting instrument | Local Government Act of Zambia |
| Formation | (Date of establishment of the Kitwe City Council mayoral office) |
| First holder | (First recognized Mayor of Kitwe) |
| Deputy | Deputy Mayor of Kitwe |
| Salary | Monthly salary and allowances (varies) |
| Website | https://www.kitwecouncil.gov.zm |
| Department | Kitwe City Council Political Wing |
| Reports to | Kitwe City Council and indirectly to national government |
The Mayor of Kitwe is the political head of Kitwe City Council, serving as the primary elected official responsible for leadership, governance, and policy oversight in Kitwe, the second largest city in Zambia by population and a major industrial and commercial hub in the Copperbelt Province.
Role and Responsibilities
The mayor provides political leadership and strategic direction to the Kitwe City Council. This includes presiding over council meetings, representing the city in official capacities, approving budgets, and spearheading initiatives to enhance citizen participation in local governance. The mayor works closely with the Town Clerk and council members to ensure effective delivery of municipal services.
The mayor's duties also encompass engaging stakeholders, promoting sustainable urban development programs like the Sustainable Kitwe Programme, and addressing key city priorities, including solid waste management, revenue expansion, and responsiveness to community needs.
Election and Term
The mayor is elected by residents of Kitwe for a term of four years, in accordance with the Local Government Act of Zambia. The position is central to implementing local government policies and fostering cooperation between the city council and national government.
Notable Mayors
- Ms. Mpasa Mwaya took office in 2021 and has since focused on passing sound resolutions for the benefit of Kitwe residents and promoting anti-corruption efforts in the mining sector, which is critical to the city’s economy.
History
Kitwe was founded in 1936 and grew rapidly alongside the copper mining industry. The mayoral office was established to govern the expanding urban area and manage the complexities of municipal governance in one of Zambia's key industrial cities.
