County Assemblies Forum (CAF) has urged the national government to anchor the Ward Development Fund (WDF) in the Constitution and establish a comprehensive pension scheme for members of county assemblies (MCAs).

Speaking during the ongoing 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, CAF Chair Seth Mwatela Kamanza said both measures were critical in strengthening devolution.

Mwatela also said that, despite devolution having made significant strides since its inception, there was still a lot to be done to empower county assemblies and ensure equitable development.

“The Constitution is currently being amended to anchor the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) yet the Ward Development Fund was left out,” he said.

Mwatela urged the government, Senate, and National Assembly to include the fund in the same amendment bill to give MCAs similar tools to drive development at the grassroots.

Mwatela stressed that the WDF would empower members to address community needs more effectively, describing county assemblies as the ”heart and soul” of devolution and the most direct link between the government and the people.

“Our role is not just administrative. It is about enacting laws tailored to our communities and ensuring no one is left behind,” he said noting that since 2013, county assemblies have enacted over 2,000 pieces of legislation.

The chair also pressed for the establishment of a comprehensive pension scheme for MCAs, arguing that their work is demanding, often taking a personal toll, and that they deserved a dignified retirement after years of service.

“The current legislation before the National Assembly does not address our pension needs and remuneration has remained stagnant since the inception of devolution despite multiple engagements with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC),” he said.

He further hailed the passing of the County Public Finance Law Amendment Bill 2023, describing it as a historic turning point that would free county assemblies from executive dependency and enable MCAs to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitna Omar