Busia County Assembly

Who We Are

The Legislative Arm of Busia County

The County Assembly of Busia is one of the 47 regional assemblies created by the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the County Governments Act, 2012.

As presently constituted, the Assembly has a total membership of 54 officials — 35 elected and 18 special elect (nominated) members and a Speaker who is an ex officio member.

The first County Assembly was inaugurated on 4th March 2013, which ushered in the devolved units of governance. Members of the County Assembly are elected for a five-year term.

⚖️ Mandate derived from Article 185 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010

47

County Assemblies
in Kenya

Constitutional Mandate

Roles & Functions

The roles of County Assemblies are provided for under Article 185 of the Constitution and Section 8 of the County Governments Act, No. 17 of 2012.

📜

Legislation

Article 185 vests the legislative authority of the county in the County Assembly, giving it powers to make laws necessary for the adequate performance of the functions of the County Government under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

🔍

Oversight

The Constitution gives the County Assembly powers to oversee the executive arm in terms of development implementation, laws, policies and house resolutions — ensuring accountability and transparency in county governance.

🤝

Representation

The County Assembly ensures coordination and participation of communities in governance at the local level. MCAs engage the people on the developmental agenda and carry constituent concerns to the Assembly floor.

💰

Budget Approval

The Assembly approves county development planning, the budget and expenditure of the County Government, and approves borrowing by the County Government — ensuring sound fiscal governance for Busia County.

Composition

Assembly Membership

35

Elected Members

Each elected by registered voters of a single ward, representing the 35 electoral wards of Busia County.

18

Special Elect Members

Nominated members representing special interests including gender, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.

1

The Speaker

An ex officio member who presides over Assembly sittings and ensures the smooth conduct of Assembly business.

Our Journey

Historical Background

The authority to make laws in Kenya is primarily vested in two institutions — Parliament and County Assemblies. Parliament makes laws that apply nationally, while County Assemblies make laws applying in the respective County.

Kenya has changed from bicameral with Regional Assemblies at independence, to unicameral, and back to bicameral with County Assemblies as the situation currently obtains under the 2010 Constitution.

1963 — Independence

Bicameral Legislature Established

Kenya gained independence with a bicameral legislature consisting of Regional Assemblies alongside the national Parliament.

1964 — 1968

Constitutional Amendments

The Constitution was amended severally resulting in the abolition of Regions and merging of the Senate and House of Representatives into a unicameral Parliament.

2010

New Constitution Enacted

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 established devolved government, creating 47 County Governments each consisting of a County Assembly and County Executive.

4th March 2013

Busia County Assembly Inaugurated

The first Busia County Assembly was inaugurated, ushering in the era of devolved governance for Busia County with 35 elected and nominated members.

2022 — Present

Third Assembly in Session

The Third Assembly sits under the speakership of Hon. Fredrick Odilo Wafula, continuing the legislative mandate for the people of Busia County.

About the Assembly

The Legislative Arm of Busia County

Roles & Functions

Assembly Membership

Historical Background