Frequently Asked Questions

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 Assemblies 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 planning.
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 endeavours. The Assembly strives to deliver timely decisions and to implement the decisions in a timely manner for the benefit of all its stakeholders.

The leadership of the County Assembly is vested in the County Assembly Services Board (CASB) that is created under section 12 of the County Governments Act and comprises of the Speaker who is also the Chairperson, two Members from amongst the Members of the County Assembly, Two other members who are not Members of the County Assembly- competitively recruited to represent both gender, and the Clerk to the Assembly who is the secretary.

According to the County Assembly Services Act no.24 of 2017, the Board shall;

1. Direct and supervise the administration of the services and facilities provided by, and exercise budgetary control over, the Service;
2. Determine and review the terms and conditions of service of persons holding or acting in the offices of the Service;
3. Initiate, co-ordinate and harmonize policies and strategies relating to the development of the Service;
4. Initiate programs-
   1. for training and capacity building of members and staff of the county assembly and other persons;
   2. that promote ideals of parliamentary democracy as set out in Article 127(6)(d) of the Constitution; and
   3. that promote public awareness and participation in the activities of the county assembly;
5. Do such other things as may be necessary for the well-being of the members and staff of the county assembly.

The Deputy Speaker is elected by Members from amongst themselves.

The Deputy Speaker deputizes the Speaker and assists in ensuring the dignity of the Assembly is upheld, its rights and privileges are not abused and generally assists in the interpretation and application of the practices and procedures of the Assembly at all times.

In the absence of the Speaker, or whenever requested by the latter, the Deputy Speaker takes the Chair and has the same powers and functions as the Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker is the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole House and also chairs the Liaison Committee which comprises all chairpersons of House Committees.

Due to the special nature of the relationship between the Speaker and the Deputy, the two work closely and the Deputy Speaker is considered an integral part of the Office of the Speaker.

A constitution is a set of fundamental values, principles or established precedents according to which a state or other entity is governed.  These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is. When these principles are written down into a single collection or set of legal documents, those documents may be said to comprise a written constitution. Kenya promulgated a new constitution on August 27, 2010 after a referenda vote.

A Budget is an organizational plan stated in monetary terms. It can also be defined as a financial plan and a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is also a plan for saving, borrowing and spending.

This is a document issued each sitting day which lists all outstanding business before a County Assembly.

This a document presented to the County Assembly by a person or group of people asking for action on a matter; a formal request; especially to a person or a group in power.