MCAs reject Senate bid to control county revenue
By William Muthama, September 10, 2025Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) have strongly opposed a move by the Senate to extend its oversight powers to cover locally generated county revenue, arguing that the proposal undermines devolution and the constitutional role of assemblies.
The dispute emerged during a stakeholder retreat convened by the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee in Kiambu on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to gather views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The matter in contention sought to give the Senate authority not only over national revenue allocated to counties under Article 96 but also over revenue raised locally.
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Protecting county autonomy
MCAs said the amendment would distort the principle of separation of powers between the Senate and county assemblies, which already have constitutional oversight over local revenue collection and expenditure.
“This proposal is unnecessary and unconstitutional. Assemblies are the rightful watchdogs of county-generated revenue, and we cannot cede that responsibility to the Senate,” Nairobi MCA James Kariuki said.
The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) stressed that the clause would roll back gains made since the start of devolution.
“We must reject the proposal to extend the Senate’s oversight to locally generated county revenue,” CAF Chairperson Hon. Seth Kamanza told delegates.
“The oversight of funds raised within the county is the primary and constitutional duty of the County Assembly. This amendment would create a needless jurisdictional conflict.”
Financial independence
While rejecting the Senate’s expanded role, MCAs backed another clause in the Bill introducing Article 199A, which seeks to establish a County Assembly Fund in all 47 counties. The fund would cover administrative expenses and legislative functions, with allocations drawn directly from the County Revenue Fund.
“We fully endorse the creation of the County Assembly Fund under Article 199A. This is a transformative step that will constitutionally guarantee the financial autonomy of county legislatures,” Kamanza said.
“By securing our funding, assemblies can carry out their mandates without interference from county executives.”
The Senate committee is expected to compile feedback from counties before tabling a final report in the House.