The highest decision-making body in Kemi is the city council. The council is responsible for the town’s operations and finances, and it may use the council’s decision-making power or transfer that power to other bodies when the relevant provisions of administrative regulations are met. 

The council’s executive committee is responsible for managing the council’s activities, administration and finances, coordinating the council’s operations and carrying out corporate governance. The city council is responsible for the town’s personnel policies and internal control and risk management.  

The Mayor, under the council’s executive committee, is responsible for the administration of the council, organisation of public offices, financial management and other activities.  

The organisation of public offices includes central administration, education and cultural services, social and health services and technical services.