Establishment of the County Assembly
Article 176 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 establishes The County Assembly which shall consist of members elected by the registered voters of the wards; each ward constituting a single member constituency, on the same day as a general election of Members of Parliament, being the second Tuesday in August, in every fifth year.
Pursuant to Article 177, The County Assembly of Siaya is made up of 30 elected members representing the county’s 30 Wards and 12 nominated Members representing special interest groups like Persons with Disabilities, Minorities/Marginalized groups and Youth to ensure that no more than two-thirds of the memberships of the Assembly are of the same gender; and the Speaker, who is an Ex-official member.
Roles and Functions
Chapter Eleven of the Constitution establishes devolved governments by creating 47 County Governments. A County Government consists of a County Assembly and the County Executive.
Article 185 of the Constitution as read together with Section 8 of the County Governments Act, No. 17 of 2012 states that the legislative authority of a County is vested in, and exercised by, its County Assembly. No other body or organ can exercise legislative power away from the County Assembly.
Consequently, The County Assembly of Siaya exists to:-
1.Make any laws that are necessary for, or incidental to, the effective performance of the functions and exercise of the powers of the county government under the Fourth Schedule.
2.Exercise oversight over the county executive committee and any other county executive organs.
3.Approve a Bill to amend the Constitution of Kenya pursuant to Article 257(5),(6) and (7) of the Constitution of Kenya. A Bill seeking to amend the Constitution by Popular Initiative is submitted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for approval in all the County Assemblies. If a majority of them approve it, it is then submitted by the Speakers of the Assembly to the Speaker of the Senate and the National Assembly for approval.
4.Receive and approve plans and policies for the management and exploitation of the county’s resources; and the development and management of its infrastructure and institutions.
5.Vet and approve nominees for appointment to county public offices as provided for by law.
6.Approve the budget and expenditure of the county government in accordance with Article 207 of the Constitution, and the legislation contemplated in Article 220(2) of the Constitution, guided by Articles 201 and 203 of the Constitution.
7.Approve the borrowing by the county government in accordance with Article 212 of the Constitution.
8.Approve county development plan.
9.Perform any other role as may be set out under the Constitution or legislation.
Vision
To be a Responsive and Excellent County Assembly in Africa.
Mission
Promoting ideas of devolution, good governance and the rule of law through effective and efficient legislative, oversight and representative functions for the people of Siaya.
Core Values
1.Transparency and Accountability in all undertakings. It is the aspiration of the Assembly that it ensures that all its activities are undertaken in ways that are track-able, and follow clear approved procedures. Officers shall be responsible for decision that they make and shall be held accountable to that effect.
2.Professionalism and integrity in our operations. There shall be training of staff and correct placement within portfolios so that offices within the county assembly are held by professionals that are able to effectively carry out their responsibilities and in equal measure, engage professionally with members of the public. This calls for systems to be put in place to ensure integrity as part of professional service.
3.Diligence and Commitment to our constituents. The Assembly as a representative institution will strive to deliver on its commitments to the electorate. This will require due diligence which shall be exercised through the structures of the Assembly.
4.Respect for the rule of law. The Assembly makes law and will be at the forefront in respect for the law. Procedures will be established to ensure that legal processes are respected and adhered to by all, within and without the assembly.
5. Accommodative and Cooperative with all stakeholders. It is imperative that stakeholders be part of the Assembly processes. The functions and operations of the Assembly, especially at the Sub-County, Ward and Village levels will be driven by stakeholder interests.
6.Timeliness in our endeavors. The Assembly strives to deliver timely decisions and to implement the decisions in a timely manner for the benefit of all its stakeholders.
