Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong’o has pledged to strengthen the Assembly’s legislative role after being recognised for the third consecutive year among the country’s leading county assembly speakers.
Mr Thiong’o said the latest recognition, which also placed him as the best county assembly speaker in the Central Kenya region, was an endorsement of the work being undertaken by the Kiambu legislature to address issues affecting residents through laws and policy interventions.
The Speaker said the awards were not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the collective efforts of the Assembly in exercising its constitutional mandate of legislation, representation and oversight.
“These awards received on behalf of our Assembly are a testament to the work we are doing as a legislative body towards enacting progressive laws to address the concerns of our people,” Mr Thiong’o said.
He said the Assembly had so far enacted more than 30 Bills into law, covering a wide range of sectors and responding to emerging challenges facing residents.
Mr Thiong’o said the Assembly was determined to build on the legislative gains made in recent years by ensuring that county laws remained responsive to the changing needs of the people.
Among the major issues currently before the Assembly is the review of existing laws governing alcoholic drinks, amid growing concern over alcohol abuse and its effects on families, young people and communities.
Mr Thiong’o said the review was part of the Assembly’s contribution towards addressing what he described as an alcohol menace affecting the country.
He said the county government and Assembly could only play their respective roles within the devolved system, calling on the national government to strengthen its responsibilities in areas such as quality standards, regulation and enforcement.
The remarks come as debate over alcohol regulation continues to attract attention, with county authorities facing pressure to balance the economic interests of liquor traders with the need to protect communities from the social and health consequences associated with alcohol abuse.
Mr Thiong’o said effective intervention would require cooperation between the two levels of government, particularly where responsibilities overlap.
While county governments have a key role in licensing and regulating businesses within their jurisdictions, the national government retains responsibility for national standards and other aspects of regulation and enforcement.
The Speaker said the Assembly would continue using its legislative mandate to respond to issues raised by residents while working with other institutions to ensure that laws were effectively implemented.
Mr Thiong’o said the Assembly’s growing legislative record demonstrated its commitment to making county laws more relevant to the lives of residents.
He said legislation should not merely be about passing laws but about creating a framework through which the county can respond effectively to social and economic challenges.
The Speaker pledged that the Assembly would continue pursuing progressive legislation while strengthening its position as an effective institution of devolved governance.
“We endeavour to continue making Kiambu County Assembly a leading legislative entity and a shining light in our country,” he said.
The recognition of Mr Thiong’o for the third year running comes as county assemblies increasingly face scrutiny over the quality of legislation they pass, their oversight of county executives and their ability to translate devolution into tangible benefits for citizens.
For Kiambu, the Speaker said the latest recognition should serve as an incentive for the Assembly to raise the bar further rather than as an end in itself.
He said the institution would continue prioritising legislation that addresses the concerns of residents and strengthens accountability within the county government.
The alcohol control review is expected to provide another test of the Assembly’s legislative approach, particularly as it seeks to balance regulation of the liquor industry, protection of public health and enforcement of existing laws.
Mr Thiong’o said Kiambu would continue to engage relevant stakeholders as it reviews its legal framework, while urging other institutions responsible for regulation and enforcement to play their part.
The Speaker maintained that a coordinated approach between county and national agencies was necessary if the country was to make meaningful progress in tackling alcohol abuse and other emerging social challenges.
With more than 30 Bills already enacted into law, Mr Thiong’o said the Assembly remained focused on strengthening its legislative output and ensuring that Kiambu continued to set an example in county governance.
