Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged county assemblies to shift their attention toward citizen-centred governance, warning that growing focus on internal welfare issues risks weakening the core mandate of devolution.
Speaking during the opening of the 6th Legislative Summit in Mombasa on Tuesday, Musalia Mudavadi called on Members of County Assemblies to strengthen accountability and ensure development priorities remain focused on ordinary citizens. He said devolution should be judged by real results such as reduced poverty, improved food security, better health services, and protection against violence.
He noted that devolution remains a key pillar of Kenya’s governance system, adding that county assemblies play a central role in law-making, oversight, and representation. He also commended their growing maturity, saying the summit theme, “Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation and Oversight,” was timely.
Mudavadi, however, stressed that the success of devolution depends on strong institutions and effective oversight. He said county assemblies are “indispensable” in ensuring accountability and faithful implementation of the Constitution. He added that devolution has improved access to resources and increased public participation, but still requires continued strengthening.
He also raised concerns over increasing welfare demands from MCAs, warning against shifting attention away from service delivery. He said leaders must avoid placing too much focus on internal benefits, stating: “Do not fall into the trap of becoming a trade union movement.” He urged them to balance welfare concerns with their main responsibility of serving the public.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary further called for the use of clear citizen-based indicators in measuring development, including poverty levels, food security, health outcomes, and the prevention of gender-based violence. He challenged leaders to think about what progress would look like if measured at ward level.
On national stability, Mudavadi emphasized the need for peaceful elections and active voter registration ahead of the next electoral cycle. He urged leaders to encourage citizens to participate in democratic processes, saying stability remains key to economic growth and national unity.
At the same event, Senate Majority Whip Wakoli Wafula reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening devolution, warning that weak legislatures undermine accountability systems.
“Legislatures cannot effectively perform their roles if they are constrained by intimidation, financial dependence, or institutional weakness,” he said.
He noted that county allocations have increased from Sh370 billion in 2022/23 to Sh415 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, describing it as progress in supporting devolution. He called for stronger collaboration between the Senate and county assemblies to improve service delivery and accountability to citizens.
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