County assemblies must be given stronger control over their finances and improved institutional support to perform their oversight duties effectively, Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang’ has said, warning that current funding arrangements are weakening accountability at the devolved level.
He noted that persistent delays in funding and tight regulatory limits continue to slow down operations and reduce the capacity of county legislatures to check county executives.
Speaking on Wednesday during a legislative summit under the theme “Strengthening Governance and Financial Autonomy of County Assemblies for Sustainable Development,” Kajwang’ said assemblies cannot fully deliver on their mandate without financial certainty and operational independence. He added that oversight work is most effective when county assemblies act in unity rather than as isolated members.
“Collective oversight by county assemblies is more powerful than individual effort. Assemblies must reclaim their role and assert their authority in governance,” he said.
Senator Kajwang’ observed that there has been some progress in accountability within devolved units, pointing out that around 20 percent of county assemblies have received clean audit outcomes. He also said more assemblies are now adhering to legal timelines by reviewing Auditor General reports within the required 90 days, showing gradual improvement in compliance.
However, he warned that major gaps still exist in the governance framework, especially in how county assemblies are financed and regulated. He pointed to restrictions on budgets and staffing levels, saying they limit the hiring of key professionals such as legal advisers and financial experts who are essential for strong oversight.
He further raised concern over irregular and delayed disbursement of funds, saying it disrupts planning processes and weakens service delivery within county assemblies. Kajwang’ called for a review of the County Assembly Fund to ensure predictable and independent financial support for legislatures.
On reforms, he urged faster action on pending proposals, including the county assemblies’ pension framework, which he said is necessary to guarantee structured retirement benefits for Members of County Assemblies.
He also called for closer working relations with the Office of the Auditor General to improve tracking of audit findings and ensure recommendations are acted on effectively. According to him, accountability systems must be practical, well coordinated, and capable of producing real results.
Kajwang’ concluded by urging county assemblies to fully exercise their constitutional authority, noting that strong legislative institutions remain central to improving governance and driving development at the county level.