Imwatok Urges Nairobi MCAs to Hold County Executive Accountable

Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has called on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to exercise their constitutional powers and hold the County Executive accountable for implementing Assembly resolutions. Speaking in Naivasha during a function organised by the Nairobi County Assembly Implementation Committee, Imwatok reminded members that the Constitution and the Assembly's Standing Orders empower them to summon, sanction, and censure members of the County Executive where necessary.

Imwatok cited Articles 185 and 196 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, alongside other statutory provisions, as key instruments through which the Assembly can discharge its oversight mandate. He urged the Implementation Committee to ensure all Assembly resolutions, motions, and reports are fully implemented. This, he said, is crucial in delivering to the people of Nairobi and exercising the Assembly's oversight powers.

Imwatok warned County Executive officers against ignoring Assembly summons, saying the Assembly would not hesitate to invoke its oversight powers. He emphasised that the implementation of motions, reports, and any other resolutions must be the paramount duty of the Executive. The County Executive must be warned that they are accountable to the Assembly, which is the House of Representatives.

Nairobi County Assembly Deputy Clerk in charge of Legislative Services, Adah Onyango, reiterated the Assembly's constitutional mandate, emphasising the importance of legislative independence and the separation of powers between the Assembly and the Executive. She called for mutual respect between the two arms of county government, noting that the Implementation Committee would strengthen follow-up mechanisms.

Onyango emphasised that effective collaboration, coupled with respect for each arm's constitutional mandate, was essential in strengthening accountability and service delivery in Nairobi County. She urged Members to remain steadfast and ensure the Committee functions seamlessly. The Assembly possesses the legislative role, and Members have the statutory power to pass resolutions.

The Deputy Clerk noted that some officers from the Executive have failed to appear before the Assembly, and this should be rectified from their side. The Implementation Committee's efforts to ensure resolutions passed by the Assembly translate into action will be crucial in promoting accountability. This move aims to foster a culture of responsibility within the County Executive.

Imwatok's challenge to MCAs comes at a time when the County Assembly is strengthening its oversight role. By enforcing accountability, the Assembly aims to improve service delivery in Nairobi County. The County Executive must work closely with the Assembly to ensure that resolutions are implemented, and the people of Nairobi receive the services they deserve.

Key points

• Imwatok urges MCAs to exercise their constitutional powers to hold the County Executive accountable.