THE COUNTY ASSEMBLY MEMBER. Under the new constitutional dispensation, devolution of power is one of the key elements which give people power to self-governance and enhance public participation of in making decisions that affect them, and more so to promote social and economic development among others. To achieve these, county assembly members have crucial role to play- they have to act as a ‘’bridge’’ between the people of the ward and the county government. As a ‘’bridge’’ they should coordinate meetings with electorates to inform them of what is happening at the county government, seek views, proposals and deliberate on them as to the way forward. In the contrary, some of our county members of assembly are avoiding meeting their people hence keeping them in darkness on what is going on at their county governments. Is this what the constitution demands? No, the constitution is clear; the people have sovereign power and may exercise it directly or indirectly through their democratically elected representatives. One of the constitutional requirements is to give power of self-governance to the people and enhance the participation of the people in making decisions affecting them and promote social and economic development among others. What may happen when a member of the county assembly fails to keep close contact with the electorate and consult them on issues before or under discussion in the county assembly or present views, opinions and proposal of the electorate? The law provides for recall. The electorate in a county ward may recall their representative before the end of the term. I am opined that many may not see the end of the term due to accountability to the public for decisions and actions together with their commitment in service to the people. Many have initiated self interested actions in the name of public interest hence demonstrating lack of honesty. And before this (recall), you will witness a lot of demonstrations and protests. This tells a lot, and it should serve as a notice of WAKEUP to MCAs and the county government. It may scare potential investors, and serve and affect the people negatively. This is contrary to the spirit of devolution. To avoid this, the MCAs and the county government should encourage the electorates to play their rightful part in participating in decision making, in such, they would feel part and parcel of the resultant laws and rules which serve their best interests. Therefore, as a matter of right, the MCAs should maintain close contact with the electorates by organizing barazas, developments committees, opinion leaders e.t.c. for feedbacks and deliberation on the way forward. The leaders, both elected and individuals of good- will should work together with civil society organizations, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs should engage in carrying out civic education to create awareness on the electorates on their rights to decision making and participation in matters affecting them in respect of good governance to better their lives. Consequently, the MCAs and the county government should work with anybody including MPS, individuals of good-will and donors irrespective of the political affiliation for the benefit of the people. PHILIP NGAU, a human rights activist. P.O. BOX 41144-00100 NAIROBI. Cell: 0722 753 943 Email :philipngau@yahoo
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 11:06:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015