Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed the Sixth Legislative Summit, declaring that the future of devolution hinges on stronger, more independent county assemblies, even as Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, through Senate Majority Whip Wakoli Wafula, called for deeper legislative collaboration and accountability. The summit, held at the Sapphire Hotel in Mombasa, has brought together Senators, Governors, MCAs and Development Partners under the theme, “Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation and Oversight.”

Opening the summit, Mudavadi framed devolution as a transformative force but warned that its success depends on institutional strength. “Devolution has brought governance closer to the people, expanded access to resources, widened public participation, and strengthened democratic accountability at the grassroots,” he said. “But its success depends on the strength of the institutions that uphold accountability, representation and legislative order at the county level.”

He singled out county assemblies as critical to that success, noting their growing role in scrutinising budgets and representing citizens. “County assemblies are indispensable for ensuring county governance is responsive and constitutionally faithful,” he said, adding that their increasing vigilance signals a maturing devolved system.

Mudavadi also outlined concrete steps his office has taken to address long-standing concerns raised by MCAs, giving the strongest policy direction of the summit. He revealed progress on a review of MCA remuneration, pushed for fast-tracking of the County Assemblies’ Pension Scheme Bill 2024, and called for legal anchoring of the County Assemblies Forum. “The responsibility remains squarely with us as leaders to strengthen these institutions,” he said, while urging the National Assembly and Senate to expedite the necessary legislation.

On financial autonomy, he pointed to the operationalisation of the County Assembly Fund, stressing that “financial autonomy is necessary for legislative independence and credible oversight,” and disclosed ongoing efforts to resolve taxation disputes affecting MCAs.

His remarks reinforced and, at points, sharpened the message delivered earlier on behalf of Speaker Kingi. Wafula had told delegates that “devolution is no longer an experiment. It is a working system that must now be strengthened for resilience and long-term impact,” urging closer cooperation between the Senate and county assemblies.

He warned against weakening legislative institutions, stating: “Legislatures cannot effectively perform their roles if they are constrained by intimidation, financial dependence, or institutional weakness,” and emphasised that strong assemblies translate directly into better service delivery for citizens.

Both leaders converged on the need for accountability and reform, with Mudavadi calling for “dialogue, removal of administrative bottlenecks, and institutional reforms,” while Kingi’s address underscored oversight as the core test of legislative effectiveness.

As discussions continue through thematic sessions on public financing, oversight, housing, financial autonomy and electoral preparedness outlined in the summit programme, delegates face a clear charge to translate policy commitments into functioning institutions. And as Wafula closed on behalf of the Speaker, the message was blunt. “Let us therefore finish strong… with renewed resolve to strengthen our institutions,” a call now echoed at the highest levels of government.