Members of County Assemblies unaware of Senate functions

Kenya: Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) have asked the Government to run a civic education programme to enable them understand the functions of the Senate.

The MCAs claimed that some Senators had never returned to their counties since they were elected and that they were unable to explain their role.

The MCAs, who were questioning Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro during the launch of a Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (Kara) workshop, said it was not clear to them why Senate exists and the role it plays in the management of counties.

They said lack of knowledge of the roles of all arms of Government was a threat to devolution and hindered procedural operations in counties.

Mr Ethuro said there was need for an elaborate training programme for the counties.

"Elaborate training for MCAs will place them as better performers in their areas of jurisdiction and assist in the focus on service delivery," said Ethuro.

He urged them to use media and the internet to air their views and concerns, and consult with other professionals.