Senate Committee Raises Alarm Over Absence of Key Regulations in Kwale County
The Senators urged Governor Fatuma Achani to prioritize the regularization of county operations in line with legal requirements.
The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation has expressed serious concerns over the lack of essential legal frameworks guiding operations in Kwale County, warning that the absence of regulations poses a threat to good governance and service delivery. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation has expressed serious concerns over the lack of essential legal frameworks guiding operations in Kwale County, warning that the absence of regulations poses a threat to good governance and service delivery.
Led by Chairperson Senator Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi), the committee held a series of meetings in Kwale where it questioned the county’s leadership on their failure to formulate the necessary subsidiary legislation.
The Senators urged Governor Fatuma Achani to prioritize the regularization of county operations in line with legal requirements.
“Governor Achani, we urge you to bring order to your administration and ensure all activities are governed by proper legal frameworks,” said Senator Gataya during the session.
Governor Promises Reforms
Governor Achani, who was accompanied by her County Executive Committee Members, acknowledged the existing gaps and committed to taking swift corrective measures.
“We recognize the challenges and are fully committed to ensuring that all county operations are supported by appropriate regulations,” she stated.
MCAs Decry Executive’s Evasion
Members of the Kwale County Assembly, led by Delegated Legislation Committee Chair Josephine Kinyanjui, accused the Executive of deliberately stalling the formulation of critical regulations. They claimed that County Executive Members frequently give flimsy excuses to avoid accountability, thereby undermining the Assembly’s oversight role.
“The Executive continues to dodge important questions on regulation, which makes our work nearly impossible,” Kinyanjui said.
The MCAs also raised concerns about public participation forums, alleging that participants are selectively chosen and influenced through incentives to support the Executive’s agenda.
Senate Urges Stronger Oversight
In response, the Senate Committee called on MCAs to enhance their oversight role and collaborate with the Senate to ensure lawful governance.
“We are ready to support County Assemblies in aligning with legal standards,” Senator Gataya affirmed, with other members emphasizing stronger Senate-County Assembly cooperation.
Speaker Praises Senate’s Role in Devolution
Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela commended the Senate for advancing devolution and County Assembly autonomy. He urged the Senate to lobby for increased funding to help Assemblies execute their duties effectively.
The Committee’s visit to Kwale is part of a wider legislative compliance tour that includes scheduled stops in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Tana River counties later in the week.
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