Factors Influencing County Assemblies Oversight Authority in Kenya

This study was conceived following a recurrent wave of disputes between County Assemblies and County Executives in Kenya relating to accountability of County governments in exercise of devolved functions anchored in the new Constitution (CoK) 2010. The study examined how political parties affiliations/ cohesion, judicial reviews, County Assemblies' financial independence and County executives' exercise of governance influences legislative oversight. It is useful to government policy makers, politicians, citizens and other non-state actors in developing policy instruments in strengthening legislative oversight and scrutiny of Devolved governments in ensuring transparency and accountability. It is crucial in bolstering County Assemblies oversight mandates in Kenya as enshrined under article 185 of CoK 2010. Further, it clears a common misconception that view legislative oversight as fault-finding exercise intended to embarrass the executive organ of government and envisions a culture of tolerance and collaboration among politicians.