Senator Moses Kajwang’ has called for enhanced financial autonomy and stronger governance structures within county assemblies, warning that limited funding independence continues to weaken oversight and slow down service delivery across counties.

Speaking as a panelist at the Legislative Summitheld in Mombasa Couty on the topic “Strengthening Governance and Financial Autonomy of County Assemblies for Sustainable Development,” Kajwang’ said county assemblies must be empowered both financially and institutionally to effectively hold county executives accountable.

He emphasized that oversight is most effective when exercised collectively, urging members of county assemblies to fully utilize their constitutional mandate. “Collective oversight by county assemblies is more powerful than individual effort. Assemblies must reclaim their role and assert their authority in governance,” he said.

Kajwang’ pointed to growing improvements in fiscal discipline, noting that about 20 percent of county assemblies have attained unqualified audit opinions. He also highlighted progress in compliance with constitutional timelines, with several assemblies now reviewing Auditor General reports within the required 90 days.

Despite these gains, he identified persistent challenges, particularly around funding structures and regulatory constraints. He cited existing ceilings on county assembly budgets and staffing as major barriers, arguing that they limit the ability of assemblies to recruit critical technical staff such as legal counsel and fiscal analysts.

He also raised concerns about delayed and unpredictable funding, noting that financial uncertainty undermines planning and weakens oversight functions. Kajwang’ called for reforms to the County Assembly Fund to ensure more stable and independent financing for assemblies.

On legislative reforms, he urged stakeholders to fast-track key bills, including the county assemblies’ pension framework, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and dignified retirement scheme for Members of County Assemblies.

Kajwang’ further called for closer engagement with the Office of the Auditor General to improve audit visibility and ensure that oversight recommendations are effectively implemented. He stressed that accountability mechanisms must be clear, coordinated and actionable.

He concluded by urging county assemblies to fully recognize and exercise their constitutional powers, noting that sustainable development at the county level depends on strong, independent and well-resourced legislative institutions.