THE COUNTY ASSEMBLIES FORUM (CAF) Executive Committee Achievements & Engagements August – September, 2019

Mandate To promote networking and synergy among the 47 County Assemblies, coordinate intergovernmental relations and enhance good practice in legislative development. To Support the County Assemblies perform their three core functions: law making, oversight and representation.

Governance Structure of CAF   The governance structure of CAF is made up of The General Assembly (GA) of 2,177 members, The Governing Council (GC) of 151 members, The Executive Committee (EC) of 24 officials, and Four sub-committees, as shown in the next slide;

Relations Sub-Committee Governance Structure General Assembly (Entire membership of County Assemblies) Governing Council (151 members, three members per assembly i.e. the speaker and two other members) National Office (7 Members) Executive Committee (24 members) Finance Sub-Committee Intergovernmental Relations Sub-Committee Legal affairs Member Services

CAF Clusters North Rift: Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, • South Rift: Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Samburu • Central: Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga • Eastern: Meru, Kitui, Makueni, Isiolo, Machakos, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Marsabit • Nyanza: Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nyamira • Western: Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia. Trans Nzoia. • North Eastern: Mandela, Wajir, Garissa, Nairobi • Coast: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Tana River, Taita Taveta

Strategic Areas Legislation and Oversight The welfare and work environment of CAF members Institutional Strengthening Systems and capacities of County Assemblies CAF 2015-2019 Strategic Plan

Achievements & Engagements Successful induction of the New Executive Committee ( with support from USAID –AHADI). Clear topics to enable steer CAF for the remainder of the term. Engagement with Donors & Development Partners and marshaling for funding of CAF and County Assemblies (Including USAID, UKAID & UNDP, UNWomen and NDI) Discussions with Intergovernmental bodies & independent commissions such as CRA, COB, IGRTC, MoDA, Directorate of Public Service Management ( DPSM), etc. Provided in-put into the CAF Strategic Plan for the Year 2020 -2024.

Achievements & Engagements 2. Engagements with the Salaries & Remuneration Commission: Prepared and presented Petition to SRC on; Remuneration and benefits for Members of County Assemblies. That the commission issues a circular providing for vehicles for leaders of County Assembly. That the MCAs be provided with a clear and expressly stated House Allowance distinct from their salary. That SRC makes adjustments of ceilings for implementing housing allowances for members.

Achievements Successful lobbying for the provision of guidelines for Mileage allowance for nominated members ( circular issued on 21st August 2019, Circular No. SRC/TS/CGOVT/3/61). Successful lobby with SRC on provision of guidelines for staff for PWDs and remuneration of the staff supporting PWDs. ( circular issued on 26th August 2019, Circular No. SRC/TS/NCPWD/3/18(80).

Achievements…….. 3. Engagement/Lobby the Deputy President on Welfare of Members: Issues presented included; Financial Autonomy of County Assemblies ( as the lack of autonomy undermines the capacity to hold government {executive} to account). Entrenchment of CAF in law- through amendment of the Intergovernmental Relations Act. The passing of the Ward Equitable Development Fund bill to have Wards as Units of development. Invited the DP to opening of the Inaugural CASA games in September, 2019, in Uasin Gishu County.

Achievements… 4. Engagement/lobby with the AU Envoy on Infrastructure (Rt. Hon. R. Odinga). Financial Autonomy of County Assemblies ( as the lack of autonomy undermines the capacity to hold government {executive} to account). Entrenchment of CAF in law- through amendment of the Intergovernmental Relations Act. The passing of the Ward Equitable Development Fund bill to have Wards as Units of development.

Achievements 5. Engagement with Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA): Requesting for adjustments in ceilings in order to consider and effect the Housing allowances for members of the County Assemblies ( MCAs). Referred to SRC to deliberate on the same matter for guidance. Follow up is on to ensure the matter is considered.

Achievements… Participation in the launch of the Spatial Planning Guidelines for County Governments by the National Treasury . Made a plea to have County Assemblies should be involved in Spatial Planning guidelines and development of policies. This is important as County Assemblies understand the geographical areas more and are representatives of the people and therefore can articulate better the issues affecting them before decisions and polices are formulated.

Achievements… Participated in the East Africa Community County Attorneys Sensitization Forum (Sensitization of policies of the East African Community). CAF encouraged strategic policies and legislation and harmonized laws as a sure way of an accelerated integration process. Forum also encouraged County Attorneys to work closely with the EAC Common Market provisions for maximum benefit of all Citizens.

Achievements…. Participation in the2nd ASALs Conference: September 10-12,2019, Amboseli National Park, Kajiado County. CAF called for a more inclusive process in policy making on matters affecting the ASAL Counties so that County Assemblies can play a critical role in addressing adverse and recurrent issues facing the ASALs such as flooding and droughts.

Key Challenges CAF has faced several challenges, key among them; Financial constraints resulting from depending on subscriptions that are not regular. County Assemblies have numerous unique capacity needs that require more resources and expertise than currently available both within CAF and in the County Governments. The resources that CAF has, mainly through member subscriptions, are not enough to address all the needs and expectations of members.

Lessons Learned/recommendations Understaffing of the Secretariat yet demands are increasing. Sustainable Office Space remains a challenge. Need to rethink a permanent solution ( permanent premises for CAF).

MORE INFORMATION…. @county_forum County Assemblies Forum www.countyassembliesforum.org

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