Leaders differ on raising academic bar for MCAs

Two county leaders have differed over a proposed Bill that seeks to raise the academic qualification for ward representatives.

Kakamega’s Leader of Majority Robert Makhanu supports the proposal, but County Assembly Forum secretary-general Albert Kochai says members of the regional assemblies perform their duties well.

The Bill, which is sponsored by Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, seeks to raise the level of education required of one to be eligible for election into a county assembly.

According to the senator, most members of the assemblies were incapable of performing their oversight and legislative roles due to their limited level of education.

Mr Sang said he would present a proposal in the House to address the matter.

The Constitution mandates the members to perform an oversight role over governors and to summon witnesses to appear before assembly committees.

A June Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution report indicated that poor academic qualifications of ward leaders affected the quality of laws they passed.

The report, which assessed 32 counties, said low literacy levels among members were limiting debate on Bills, resulting in sub-standard laws.

ACCUSED OF NON-PERFORMANCE

County assembly members nominated to fulfil gender and regional balance requirements have in particular been accused of non-performance.

Mr Makhanu said the responsibilities of counties were different from those of defunct councils, hence the leaders should have high academic qualifications.

However, Mr Kochai argued that most assemblies had fulfilled their mandates of passing Bills required for smooth running of counties.

“Vetting of officers and workers has so far been done to my satisfaction,” he added.