In a bold legislative move, the Mombasa County Assembly has passed the Ward Equitable Development Bill, 2024, despite the Governor’s refusal to assent to it. The House reconvened under Standing Order No. 26(3) in a special sitting to reconsider the Bill.
During the session, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted with a two-thirds majority to reject all four reservations made by the Governor. Out of the total, 32 MCAs voted against the reservations, while seven supported them. Two members were absent.
Unity in purpose
The MCAs also unanimously adopted amendments from the Finance, Budget, and Appropriations Committee. These changes directly addressed the concerns raised by the Governor, strengthening the Bill without compromising its objectives.
The rare show of unity demonstrated the Assembly’s firm support for equitable development and financial accountability. It was a clear message that the Assembly is committed to inclusive governance.
Next steps for the bill
Following Standing Order 134(5), the Speaker must now return the Bill to the Governor within seven days. The Governor is then legally bound to assent to it within the same time frame.
Once signed, the Bill will become law, setting the stage for fair distribution of development resources across all wards in Mombasa.
This milestone is seen as a victory for devolution and people-first governance. It also marks a turning point in how the county prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in development planning.
The Ward Equitable Development Bill now stands as a symbol of legislative resilience and community-driven progress in Mombasa.
admin
Good move