The Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has approved a legislative proposal seeking to amend the County Governments Act to promote inclusivity and transparency in the hiring of County Executive Committee Members (CECMs).

The development took place on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Parliament Buildings, where members of the Committee met both physically and virtually to review the proposal sponsored by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute.

Inclusive leadership push

“This Bill is a critical step in ensuring that county appointments reflect our constitutional ideals,” Senator Chute said.

“For too long, executive appointments have failed to meet the thresholds of inclusivity, fairness, and legal compliance. This amendment seeks to change that.”

The County Governments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to introduce clear legal standards for the appointment of CECMs.

It emphasises the need to uphold the two-thirds gender principle, ensure the representation of persons living with disabilities, and reflect Kenya’s ethnic, regional, and cultural diversity.

These changes are intended to close the existing legal and procedural gaps that have undermined devolution in recent years.

Committee endorses changes

Committee Chairperson Senator Mohamed Abbas welcomed the proposal, describing it as timely and aligned with the spirit of the Constitution.

“We have seen continued concerns from across the country about appointments that do not reflect the diversity and character of devolved units. This Bill addresses that challenge head-on,” Abbas said.

The committee’s decision follows scrutiny as outlined under Standing Order 131, which empowers it to examine legislative proposals and seek views from sponsors, relevant ministries, or any other stakeholders. The committee also has the discretion to suggest variations, though the sponsor is not compelled to adopt them.

Vice Chairperson Catherine Mumma, and Senators Margaret Kamar and Peris Tobiko, attended the session virtually.

The meeting marked the conclusion of the committee’s pre-publication scrutiny of the Bill, and as required by Standing Order 130(3), their comments will be formally submitted to the Speaker of the Senate within 14 days.

Focus on equity

The proposed amendment comes amid growing calls to reform how county executives are constituted, with critics arguing that political patronage and lack of transparency continue to plague county leadership.

Analysts have also noted the failure by many counties to meet constitutional thresholds on diversity and inclusion.

The Bill will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.