Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has challenged Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to firmly reclaim their constitutional oversight and accountability mandate, warning that other institutions appear to be encroaching on their role.
Speaking during the Counties Assemblies Forum meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Mudavadi said devolution has matured and county assemblies must take full charge of their responsibilities.
“Do not allow your oversight and accountability role to be usurped by another institution. You are the ones who are supposed to oversight the county governments. I don’t know if it is by design or whether you forgot, but it seems at times your role has been usurped,” Mudavadi cautioned.
He emphasized that MCAs are mandated to enact county legislation, provide oversight over the county executive, and represent the interests of wananchi at the ward level.
Mudavadi, who previously served as Minister for Local Government in the period leading up to the implementation of the Constitution of 2010, said he was at the centre of pushing forward the first pieces of legislation that kick-started devolution.
He noted that county assemblies play a critical role in ensuring devolution continues to thrive and deliver tangible benefits across all the 47 counties.
“Being a leader of a county assembly is a very significant assignment in this Republic. Institutions that buttress devolution must be given all the necessary support,” he said.
The forum was attended by President William Ruto, among other leaders.
Mudavadi revives referendum debate
During the meeting, Mudavadi also revived debate on the possibility of holding a constitutional referendum alongside the August 2027 General Election.
He argued that some of the persistent challenges facing counties and county assemblies could be resolved through a plebiscite.
“Last year on December 26, I spoke about the possibility of a constitutional moment for the country. One of the issues I believe needs to be resolved — and we have the capacity to do so — is to anchor the Ward Fund and the Constituency Development Fund properly in the Constitution. This will help end all these debates on whether they should exist or not,” Mudavadi said.
He added that following President Ruto’s directive, he engaged the Counties Assemblies Forum to discuss their concerns and proposals.
Among the issues raised by the forum — chaired by Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela — were the need to anchor the forum in law, enhance the financial autonomy of county assemblies, and address welfare concerns affecting MCAs.
Mudavadi expressed optimism that with presidential backing, the concerns raised would be addressed to strengthen county assemblies and enhance their effectiveness in serving the public.
