In Summary
- This is a big win for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), who will now be able to carry out their work without fear.
- Some governors have been accused of using control over assembly budgets to punish outspoken MCAs, delay important projects, or silence critical voices.
- The push for financial self-governance comes in response to recent challenges facing Nairobi assembly’s operations as majority of their activities have been hampered by the lack of funds.
The Senate has passed the county public finance laws (amendment) bill 2023 now giving County Assemblies full financial independence for the first time since the creation of the devolved units.
This new law sets up a special county assembly fund meaning that county assemblies will now receive money directly from the national treasury without going through county governors.
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Win for Counties
This is a big win for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), who will now be able to carry out their work of oversight, making laws, and representing the people without fear or political pressure.
For years, some governors have allegedly been accused of using control over assembly budgets to punish outspoken MCAs, delay important projects, or silence critical voices. But with this new law, that is set to change.
Under the new system, county assemblies can now prepare and submit their own budgets, appoint their own accounting officers, and manage their funds through accounts that are completely separate from the executive.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Kathuri Murungi, also includes strict measures to ensure accountability.
For instance MCAs will be expected to properly review budgets and publish their reports for the public to see.
Nairobi County Assembly
This comes few months after Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi called on the senate to expedite legislation granting county assemblies financial independence.
READ ALSO: MCA Mark Mugambi Pushes for County Support for Grassroots Football Teams
Addressing the assembly after a prolonged recess on Tuesday 11th February, Ng’ondi said such autonomy will enable assemblies to manage their budgets without external interference.
READ ALSO: Pay your debt or face more plagues: Nairobi County tells Kenya Power
The push for financial self-governance comes in response to recent challenges facing Nairobi assembly’s operations as majority of their activities have been hampered by the lack of funds.
