Background
Background Information
County Assembly is established under Article 176 (1) of the Constitution which provides that: “There shall be a county government for each county, consisting of a County assembly and a County Executive. The Assembly consists of members elected by registered voters of the wards, each ward constituting a single-member constituency.
County Assembly Membership
The County Assembly consists of the Speaker who is an ex-officio Member, 45 elected Members representing wards, and 17 nominated Members representing special interest groups. This ensures compliance with Article 177 of the Constitution regarding gender balance and representation of marginalized groups including youth and persons with disabilities.
County Assembly Roles
The County Assembly is primarily responsible for legislation. It is the law-making organ of County Government. The roles are anchored in Article 185 of the Constitution.
- The legislative authority of a county is vested in its County Assembly.
- The Assembly may make laws necessary for effective County Governance under the Fourth Schedule.
- The Assembly exercises oversight over the County Executive and its organs.
- The Assembly receives and approves plans and policies for:
- Management and exploitation of county resources
- Development and management of infrastructure and institutions
Further, Section 8(1) of the County Governments Act provides additional roles:
Roles of the County Assembly
- Vet and approve nominees for appointment to county public offices.
- Perform roles set out under Article 185 of the Constitution.
- Approve the county budget and expenditure in accordance with Article 207 and related legislation.
- Approve county borrowing in accordance with Article 212.
- Approve county development planning.
- Perform any other roles set out under the Constitution or legislation.