The visiting Malawi Speaker of the National Assembly has said devolution in Kenya is worth emulating in Africa.
Rt. Hon. Catherine Hara, Speaker National Assembly Republic of Malawi, during her visit at Kajiado County Assembly said that devolution governance in Kenya is a gift that can change the economy for better.
The Malawi team of six legislators and four staff was accompanied by the Parliamentary Service Commission Vice Chairperson, Hon. Naomi Shaban and Director CPST Prof. Nyokabi Kamau.
“We are here to take stock of the possible impact of the devolution governance and even learn from the new systems that can help us serve our people better,” said Honourable Catherine Hara.
While addressing the ward representatives and staff at the Kajiado County Assembly chambers the Speaker said she believes in changes that help the people grow socially and economically.
Hon. Johnson Osoi, Speaker Kajiado County Assembly, also former County Assemblies Forum Chairman said that many gains have been made since the promulgation of the new constitutional dispensation.
“At the county level new constitutional dispensation has brought governance closer to the people, legislations are tailor made to suit the locals within the county. For instance we have leveraged public participations innovatively giving the best to our constituents. In Kajiado we have conducted civic educations, open days and even done Bunge Mashinani, taking plenary sessions to the people right at their proximities,” said former County Assemblies Forum chairman.
Hon. Osoi said that for the best to be achieved in County Assemblies elected leaders need to undergo thorough capacity buildings on legislations to overcome wrangles that has badly seen constant squabbles in some assemblies.
“Our elected County leaders need to be trained well and therefore calling for more allocations to the Center for parliamentary studies and training (CPST), this will go a long way in revamping on leadership contributions at the county level. Legislations are not taught in any institution in Kenya but the CPST can play important role in supporting county leaders,” said Hon. Osoi
Taita Taveta Member of Parliament Naomi Shabaan lauded the leadership of the Kajiado County Assembly for the progress made in terms of infrastructure and workable systems.
“The visit today at Kajiado Central Sub county and finally at the devolved unit, Kajiado County Assembly is a clear indication that our systems are on course for better,” said Hon. Naomi Shabaan.
Kajiado County Assembly was settled on as a result of the programmes that has improved the reachability to the people to take part in governance, through public participations.
