•MCAs Urged to Champion Progressive Legislation and Strengthen County Governance
Nairobi, Kenya| The 5th Annual Legislative Summit concluded today at The Edge Convention Center in Nairobi, marking the end of a three-day event that saw robust discussions on governance, legislative processes, and policy reforms.
The summit, which had full participation from the County Assembly of Isiolo, brought together Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), Assembly Speakers, the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) leadership, and key stakeholders.
Hon. Anne Kiusya, Speaker and Chairperson of the County Assemblies Forum (CAF), delivered closing remarks, commending the dedication and resilience of MCAs, CAF leadership, the secretariat, and summit partners for their invaluable contributions.
She reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to implementing the resolutions adopted, particularly those aimed at fostering inclusive governance and ensuring equitable representation in legislative processes.
Key Discussions and Resolutions
The summit served as a crucial platform for MCAs to engage in in-depth discussions on legislative drafting, policy implementation, and effective oversight.
A key focus was placed on strengthening governance at the county level through improved legislative frameworks and intergovernmental collaboration.
Among the most pressing issues addressed was the role of MCAs in advocating for Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Women in governance.
Speakers emphasized the need for policies that promote their equitable participation, with practical frameworks provided to guide MCAs in championing inclusion within their respective county assemblies.
Additionally, discussions centered on:
- Legislative Oversight vs. Overreach – Strategies were outlined to help MCAs balance their watchdog role while fostering constructive engagement with the Executive.
- MCA Pension Scheme – Delegates explored ways to establish a sustainable pension plan to secure MCAs’ financial future beyond their political tenure.
- Intergovernmental Relations – Strengthening collaboration between County Assemblies and the Senate to enhance MCAs’ role in national legislative discourse.
Empowering Women in Governance
A significant highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Women’s Pre-Summit action points by Hon. Helen Ndeti, Chairperson of the Machakos County Assembly’s Committee on Gender Equality.
She underscored the critical role of women in governance and outlined priority areas for immediate action, including capacity building, legislative lobbying, and gender-inclusive policies.
Fauzia Jibril, a nominated MCA representing youth in the County Assembly of Isiolo, reiterated the invaluable lessons learned at the summit.
She highlighted the importance of a strategic policy framework to support youth employment and empowerment.
She also noted that the Women MCAs’ sessions provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow female leaders and strengthen their legislative and lobbying capacities.
Perspectives from Isiolo County MCAs
Chari MCA Meja Golicha shared his insights from the summit, stating that the experience had provided him with critical knowledge on legislating youth policies and developing policy frameworks.
He emphasized that the lessons learned would greatly enhance his ability to contribute to progressive governance in Isiolo County.
Fauzia Jibril echoed similar sentiments, noting that the summit had been a transformative experience for young leaders, particularly in advancing youth-focused policies and promoting gender equality in governance.
A Call to Action
With the summit’s resolutions now set, MCAs return to their respective counties equipped with the tools, networks, and knowledge necessary to drive impactful legislative reforms.
The discussions held over the past three days have laid a strong foundation for fostering inclusive governance, strengthening county assemblies, and ensuring that legislative bodies remain responsive to the needs of all citizens.
As CAF moves forward with the implementation of key resolutions, the focus remains on translating these commitments into tangible policies that will shape the future of county governance in Kenya.