Ruto dangles the carrot to Members of County Assemblies
- Created by AVDelta News Reporter
- Counties
President Ruto said the government recognises the growing responsibilities the ward representatives shoulder.
President William Ruto has promised Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) higher pay, pension support, and a stronger role in local development, in what appears to be a strategic move to secure support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the Annual County Assemblies Forum at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Dr Ruto assured MCAs that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s recommendation to reclassify their job groups from D4 to E2 would be fully supported.
He said his government recognises the growing responsibilities the ward representatives shoulder.
The President also backed the County Assemblies Pension Scheme Bill and the Ward Development Fund, both pending in the National Assembly.
Dr Ruto urged MCAs to champion the National Infrastructure Fund, a strategic plan to finance roads, airports, dams, irrigation, and electricity projects across the country.
By positioning MCAs as key players in development, he reinforced their role as the link between citizens and national policy.
“Leaders like yourselves carry both the authority and responsibility to demand clear answers and enforce accountability," he said.
The timing and nature of the promises come as county leaders prepare for budget engagements and the 2027 election cycle.
Supporting MCAs with tangible incentives could help mobilise loyalty and alignment with the government’s development agenda in key constituencies.
Dr Ruto described MCAs as “indispensable partners” in Kenya’s development and reiterated that the United Democratic Alliance will continue working with county representatives to deliver visible, inclusive progress for all Kenyans.
Some of the long‑standing concerns MCAs pressed during the Forum include calls for full financial autonomy for county assemblies, a move they say will free them from reliance on county executives for budgetary disbursements — a shift already backed by legislation signed last year.
“The county executive should not control the resources of county assemblies … county assemblies are independent," said the President.
Others pointed to the need for timely and adequate Ward Development Fund allocations.
MCAs have also stressed the importance of clear legal anchoring for devolved funds, including the Ward Fund and Constituencies Development Fund.
They argued this will protect them from recurrent disputes an d ensure consistent delivery of services at the ward level.
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