Resume work, members of the county assemblies told

By Kenan Miruka          

Kisii, Kenya: The Commission for Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) has urged striking ward representatives in county assemblies to resume work even as they press for better pay.

CIC Chairman Charles Nyachae said it was important for the members of the county assemblies (MCAs) to resume work urgently to avoid paralysing functions at the counties.

Speaking at the Kisii University during the finals of Miss Tourism Kisii County, Nyachae said the commission was not opposed to MCAs seeking improve salaries but wants devolution to work.

“MCAs are a vital part in the structure of the devolved government and that is why we beseech them to return to work. Devolution won’t succeed without an empowered County Assembly. It is not Sarah Serem or the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) that loses when you continue to strike but the electorate who have enormous expectations,” said Nyachae.

Last Friday, the CIC published a statement in local dailies warning against adjournments and suspension of sittings at the county assemblies.

“Our statement on this subject has been misunderstood. In fact, CIC fully supports their demands and have continually held discussions with SRC on how to sort out this issue. Much as you continue to agitate for better pay, continue serving wananchi,” Nyachae told the ward representatives.