Based on Proclamation No. 213/2011, issued to restructure and define the powers and functions of executive organs of the Oromia Regional Government, the Culture and Tourism Office of East Hararghe has the following powers and responsibilities:

1. Creates awareness to prevent harmful traditional practices that has been identified through research; collaborates with similar institutions;
2. Works to expand the tourism industry, contribute to development, and generate economic benefits; promotes community participation;
3. Collects, organizes, and distributes cultural and tourism-related data within the zone;
4. Ensures palaces, heritage sites, and monuments are preserved as cultural assets; provides necessary support;
5. Strengthens the operational capacity of cultural and tourism institutions by offering training and consultation;
6. Monitors tourism activities (visits and hosting) in the zone; works with stakeholders to ensure the provision of favorable tourism service environment;
7. Oversees and regulates promotional materials to ensure they align with social values; prevents errors in Afaan Oromo spelling; takes legal measures where necessary;
8. Ensures that trademarks, names, and commercial symbols associated with heritage do not harm historical values;
9. Works to expand cultural service institutions like museums, cultural centers, libraries, theaters, and cinemas; provides professional license and registration services;
10. Establishes, grades, develops, preserves, repairs, and monitors natural and man-made heritages; grants permissions accordingly;
11. Encourages and rewards institutions that achieving high performance in culture and tourism sectors;
12. Legally demarcates and conserves historical, cultural, religious, and natural heritage sites; works with stakeholders on development and conservation;
13. Supports the establishment of cultural and tourism forums, associations, and councils at various levels;
14. Studies natural and man-made tourist attractions; collaborates with stakeholders to designate tourist zones; issues development guidelines and supervises their implementation;
15. Sets standards and provides professional licenses for cultural and tourism service providers; renews, revokes, and supervises licenses; provides technical support and training with stakeholders;
16. Facilitates the development of basic infrastructure and tourism services in historically and culturally significant areas;
17. Works to promote the zone's cultural and tourism resources to be well known nationally and internationally;
18. Enhances awareness to protect cultural and natural tourist attractions; promotes existing development opportunities; encourages tourism investment with stakeholders;
19. Reviews investment proposals in cultural and tourism development; provides professional input, support, and monitors implementation;
20. Recommends appropriate fees and income strategies for special tourism destinations to the relevant body for approval and implementation.