There are 6 elective positions in Kenya and Member of the County Assembly(MCA) is the lowest level of  representation in the devolved government. An MCA represents a County Electoral Ward.

They are considered to be a close point of contact to the electorates but some of them disappear soon after elections only to come back in their villages five years later when seeking a re-election. Surprisingly,  there are also MCAs who are only known to a fraction of the people they represent especially only those who voted for them. There are others who do their work as required by the law. They live among their community and are able to relate with their concerns and issues.

There have been cases of poor relations between MCAs and their electorates. Remember the case of Muchatha MCA and his Mlolongo counterpart who were forced to abandon their posh cars by the electorates and walk on filthy roads?

Viwandani MCA however Joseph Mwangi admits that every Monday, he meets his electorates and listen to their views and concerns on various matters in a bid to provide better governance.

“When am unavailable, I have someone who helps me,  when the matter is difficult, it is referred to me so that I can handle when am back,” he said while being featured on CitIzen TV. “You also have to ensure that ongoing projects are conducted according to the scope of work.”

MCAs have a crucial role to play. Just like any other elected representative, an MCA also play the roles of oversight, legislation and representation as stated on Kakamega County’s  Website. On the other hand, Nairobi County Government states the  general role of the County Assembly as formulating laws that regulate the conduct of the county government as well as provide oversight.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has also clearly listed the roles of MCAs and they can be broken into the following;

Number one, Representing electorates at the County Assembly by presenting their opinions, views and proposals. This is done through consultations with the public first to know what their needs and priorities are. MCAs can use avenues such as  legislation, assembly, motions, debates and resolutions to represent their electorates. Another avenue that MCAs can use to present the views of the people they represent is during  the budget processes.

Secondly, MCAs are required to maintain contact with people. MCAs are considered to interact more with electorates compared to any other elected representative.  They should consult them on matters under or before discussion in the County Assembly. They are also required to vote for this matters according to the people’s wishes.

Additionally, MCAs are required to attend the County Assembly and committees to project their voice and give their views on issues affecting the electorates. They also have to be present in these setups to give recommendations and amendments where necessary.

MCAs also serve as a link between the County Assembly and the electorates on public service delivery. They ensure that the county government implements project and delivers on services. They are supposed to ensure that funds allocated for projects and services are used for the initial desired purpose and not diverted to other areas or to people’s pockets.

Finally, MCAs are required to use their professional knowledge and skills to run the county assembly’s business.

The County Assembly also has general roles which include;

• Vet and approve nominee for appointment to county public offices as may be provided for in ACT or any other Law
• Perform the roles set out under Article 185 of the Constitution;
• Approve the budget and expenditure of the county government in accordance with Article 207 of the Constitution.
• Legislation as contemplated in Article 220 (2), Constitution, guided by Articles 201 and 203 of the Constitution
• Approve the borrowing by county government in accordance with Articles 212 of the Constitution
• Approve County Development Plans
• Perform any other role as may be set out in the Constitution