COUNTY DEVELOPS MUNICIPALITY BY-LAWS

The County Government of Kakamega through the Office of the County Attorney Monday held a public participation forum with various representatives of key stakeholders to develop the Kakamega County Municipal by-laws. The stakeholders included Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and County Staff drawn from the Ministry as well as Enforcement officers.

The CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Areas Hon. Robert Makhanu who graced the exercise thanked the conveners for organizing the workshop terming it essential for sharing views and ideas before the document is effected.

Hon. Makhanu said once the by-laws come to effect, activities in Kakamega and Mumias will be regulated and hence increase the revenue base of the two Municipalities.

Some of the by-laws being developed are Advertising, Waste Management and Disposal, Hawking, Disposal of dead bodies and Ownership of animals within the Municipalities among others.

“Once operationalised these by-laws will ensure efficiency, efficacy and improved service delivery within the Municipalities; this is in anticipation of the upgrade of Kakamega to a City,” noted Hon. Makhanu, adding that the by-laws will further aid in ensuring compliance with County legislations and the enforcement theof.

Kakamega County Assembly Committee Chairperson for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Areas Hon. Kenneth Indusa said the by-laws will set in place clear guidelines of raising funds and bringing order in the Municipalities.

According to the Ag. County Attorney CS Vivianne Mmbaka, Kakamega County Urban Areas Management Act, 2017 empowers Municipalities to formulate by-laws to regulate the activities of municipalities within the County in line with the Kenyan Constitution.

In attendance were Deputy CS Mr. Joshua Kutekha, Chief Officer Service Delivery and Advisory Unit Dr. Phitalis Masakhwe, Advisor Strategy and Governance Mr. Musa Chibole, Directors and Physical Planners among other Officers.