Devolution Committee okays the County Governments (Amendment) Bill legislative proposal

Devolution Committee okays the County Governments (Amendment) Bill legislative proposal

Parliament Buildings 
Monday, 14th July 2025 

The Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has given the County Governments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, legislative proposal a green light, paving the way for its consideration in the Senate. 

According to Standing Order 130(3), the Committee will subsequently submit its comments on the legislative proposal to the Speaker within fourteen days of the referral. 

The introduction of the proposed Bill follows persistent challenges in county governance, where executive appointments often fall short of constitutional standards, thereby undermining equity and the integrity of devolution. 

Sponsored by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, the legislative proposal seeks to amend the County Governments Act (Cap. 265) to enhance inclusivity, diversity, and efficiency in the composition and appointment of County Executive Committee Members (CECMs). 

By codifying these requirements into law, the Bill aims to promote transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance at the county level.

The Bill also addresses legal and procedural gaps in the existing framework by aligning appointments with constitutional principles, including the two-thirds gender rule, representation of persons living with disabilities, and the imperative of reflecting community and cultural diversity.

In carrying out pre-publication scrutiny, the Committee was guided by Standing Order 131, which provides that the Committee may “examine the proposal and seek the views of the sponsor, the relevant Cabinet Secretary or any other person on the likely impact, effect, outcome and consequence of the legislative proposal and any other aspect the Member or the Committee may deem necessary. 

In addition, the Standing Orders give the Committee the option to suggest variations to improve the legislative proposal, but the sponsor is not bound to incorporate such variations.

Sen. Mohamed Abbas (Chairperson) and Sen. Mohamed Chute (Marsabit) attended the meeting physically while Sen. Catherine Mumma (Vice Chairperson), Sen. (Prof.) Margaret Kamar (Nominated), and Sen. Peris Tobiko (Nominated) attended the meeting virtually.