The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) recently convened its 6th Governing Council meeting in Naivasha, providing a crucial platform for discussing legislative and policy matters impacting county assemblies across Kenya.

During the meeting, the Chairperson and Secretary General delivered comprehensive updates on key legislations in Parliament affecting county assemblies, including the Equitable Ward Development Fund (WDF) Bill, County Assemblies Pensions Scheme Bill, and the County Public Finance Amendments Laws, which aim to grant financial autonomy to county assemblies. The Financial Autonomy Bill, which seeks to empower county assemblies by giving them greater control over their finances, was also highlighted as a significant step towards strengthening the independence and capacity of these legislative bodies.

Other critical issues discussed included the ongoing taxation on motor vehicle reimbursements, a concern for many members, as well as the job evaluation for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), which seeks to address disparities in compensation to better reflect their roles and responsibilities. The status of member subscriptions was also reviewed, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and financial commitment to achieving the Forum’s objectives.

The 6th Governing Council meeting reinforced CAF’s dedication to addressing the legislative challenges faced by county assemblies and enhancing their effectiveness in fulfilling their constitutional mandates.