In a powerful display of unity and institutional resolve, Speakers from County Assemblies across Kenya convened with the Senate in a high-level consultative forum to address critical governance issues impacting devolution.
The forum, held amid growing calls for reforms within Kenya’s devolved structures, focused on strengthening legislative autonomy, enhancing intergovernmental cooperation, and safeguarding the operational integrity of County Assemblies.
At the center of the discussions was the Speaker of the County Assembly of Isiolo, Hon. Mohamed Roba Qoto, whose recent experience with a Senate committee sparked widespread concern among his colleagues.
Speaker Roba, a respected voice in the push for constitutionalism and devolution, was reportedly mishandled during a recent Senate engagement — an incident that has since ignited debate over the treatment and institutional respect accorded to County Assembly leadership.
Fellow Speakers, drawn from all corners of the country, rallied behind Hon. Roba, expressing unanimous condemnation of the alleged mistreatment and calling for the immediate restoration of decorum and mutual respect in intergovernmental engagements.
Their collective message was clear: County Assemblies must not be undermined, and their leadership must be treated with the respect and dignity their constitutional mandate demands.
In a swift response, the Speaker of the Senate acknowledged the concerns raised, expressed regret over the incident involving Hon. Roba, and pledged to convene a special session involving the Isiolo Speaker and the concerned committee.
The aim, he said, would be to resolve the matter constructively while reinforcing a culture of accountability and cooperation between legislative institutions.
The incident, though regrettable, underscored a broader and more urgent agenda — the need to fortify the foundations of Kenya’s devolved governance. Key legislative proposals discussed at the forum included:
- The Ward Development Fund Bill, aimed at ensuring equitable resource allocation and direct grassroots development.
- The County Assembly Autonomy Bill, which seeks to guarantee both administrative and financial independence for County Assemblies, insulating them from undue influence.
- The County Pensions Bill, a crucial framework to secure the retirement benefits and welfare of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
The Speakers also emphasized the importance of increasing funding to County Assemblies to enhance their oversight capacity, streamline County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), and implement robust public participation frameworks as envisioned in the Constitution.
Proposals were also tabled to improve mechanisms for intergovernmental dispute resolution and harmonize county legislation for greater legal and policy coherence.
The County Assemblies reaffirmed their constitutional role as independent institutions mandated to legislate on devolved matters, represent the interests of the people, and hold County Executives accountable.
In doing so, they serve as the bedrock of participatory democracy and the guardians of grassroots development.
The County Assembly of Isiolo expressed profound gratitude to all its counterparts for standing in solidarity with Hon. Roba.
“Our Speaker is not just a leader of Isiolo; he represents the collective spirit and dignity of all County Assemblies,” read a statement from the Assembly.
“We remain committed to the principles of devolution, guided by the Constitution, and will continue to engage constructively to protect the integrity of our institutions.”
As Kenya continues to refine its devolved governance model, the Isiolo incident serves as a timely reminder of the need for inter-institutional respect and dialogue.
Devolution, as enshrined in the Constitution, is not a favor but a right — a mechanism to bring governance closer to the people, foster equitable development, and enhance democratic participation.
The forum concluded with renewed commitment from both the Senate and the County Assemblies to work collaboratively, respectfully, and transparently, in service of the people and the promise of devolution.
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