The County Assembly is a legislative arm of the County Government in Kenya. It is an important institution that is responsible for passing laws and policies that affect the people living in the county.
The County Assembly’s key functions
1. Legislation
The County Assembly is responsible for making laws that govern the county. The Assembly drafts and enacts laws, by-laws, and regulations that are specific to the county’s needs.
It is the responsibility of the Assembly to ensure that the laws it enacts are relevant, effective, and enforceable.
The Assembly works closely with the County Executive to ensure that the laws enacted are implemented. The Assembly has the power to repeal any laws that are found to be irrelevant, ineffective, or inconsistent with the Constitution.
2. Oversight
The County Assembly has the power to oversee the actions of the County Executive. This means that the Assembly is responsible for monitoring the County Executive’s activities and ensuring that they are consistent with the law.
The Assembly has the power to summon the County Executive to appear before it to answer questions about its activities.
The Assembly also has the power to investigate any matter that is of public concern. This includes investigating allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds, and any other matter that may affect the well-being of the people living in the county.
3. Representation
The County Assemblies are responsible for representing the interests of the people living in the county. The Assembly Members are elected by the people to represent their interests in the Assembly. They are expected to be the voice of the people and to advocate for their needs and concerns.
The Assembly Members are responsible for bringing the needs and concerns of their constituents to the attention of the Assembly. They are also responsible for communicating the decisions of the Assembly to their constituents.
4. Budget approval
The County Assembly is responsible for approving the County Budget. This means that the Assembly is responsible for ensuring that public funds are allocated and used effectively.
The Assembly has the power to scrutinize the County Budget and to make recommendations on how the funds should be allocated.
MUST READ: Current MCA Salary And Allowances In Kenya
The Assembly is also responsible for ensuring that the County Government is transparent and accountable in its use of public funds. The Assembly can summon the County Executive to appear before it to explain how public funds are being used.
5. Appointment of key county officials
The County Assembly has the power to approve the appointment of key county officials. This includes the County Secretary, the Chief Officer, and the County Attorney.
The Assembly is responsible for scrutinizing the qualifications of the nominees and ensuring that they are suitable for the positions.
The Assembly also has the power to reject any nominees who are found to be unsuitable for the positions.
This ensures that the County Government is staffed by qualified and competent individuals who are capable of carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
6. Public participation
The County Assemblies are responsible for promoting public participation in the governance of the county.
This means that the Assembly is responsible for ensuring that the people living in the county are given an opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.
The Assembly is required to hold public hearings and consultations to allow the people to give their input on matters that affect them.
This ensures that the people’s needs and concerns are taken into account when making decisions that affect them.
7. County planning
The County Assemblies are responsible for county planning. This means that the Assembly is responsible for developing and implementing plans and policies that promote the social and economic development of the county.
The Assembly works closely with the County Executive to develop plans that address the needs of the people living in the county.
This includes plans for infrastructure development, job creation, and the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, and health care.
8. County Revenue
The County Assemblies are responsible for generating revenue for the county. This means that the Assembly is responsible for approving the County Government’s revenue-raising measures.
The Assembly has the power to levy taxes, fees, and charges on services provided by the County Government.
The revenue generated is used to fund the County Government’s activities and to provide services to the people living in the county.
The Assembly is also responsible for ensuring that the revenue generated is used efficiently and effectively.
This means that the Assembly has the power to scrutinize the County Government’s revenue and expenditure to ensure that they are consistent with the law.
9. Conflict resolution
The County Assemblies are responsible for resolving conflicts that arise within the county. This includes conflicts between individuals, communities, and organizations.
The Assembly can mediate between parties in conflict and can recommend solutions that are mutually acceptable.
MUST READ: Deputy Governor Impeachment Procedure Act In Kenya
The Assembly can also create mechanisms for resolving conflicts within the county. This includes setting up alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and creating committees that are responsible for handling specific types of disputes.
10 Collaboration with other counties and levels of government
The County Assemblies are responsible for collaborating with other counties and levels of government.
This means that the Assembly works closely with other county assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate to ensure that there is effective coordination and cooperation in governance.
The Assembly can also collaborate with other counties to share resources and expertise. This can help to promote development and improve service delivery in the county.
In conclusion, the County Assemblies are a critical institution in the governance of the county. Its functions are diverse and encompass various aspects of governance, including legislation, oversight, representation, budget approval, the appointment of key county officials, public participation, county planning, county revenue, conflict resolution, and collaboration with other counties and levels of government.
By carrying out these functions effectively, the County Assembly can contribute to the social and economic development of the county and improve the well-being of the people living in it.
Drop Your Comments, What do you think About The Article?