By Alloys Musyoka
Kwale county assembly speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza has been elected the county assembly forum chair.
He was the deputy chairperson of the county assembliesβ forum before his election.
The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) is a coordinating body for Kenya’s 47 county assemblies, established under the Constitution of Kenya.
It is composed of three members from each county assembly: The Speaker and two other members, one of whom must be of the opposite gender, elected by the county assembly
Kamanza election is a clear indication of his leadership role in the devolved unit for the last three years as the deputy chair.
Kilifi county assembly speaker Teddy Mwambire lauded Kamanza for bringing a fresh breath at the county assembly forum helm.
βIt was quite challenging but thank God everything went on smoothly finally. Congratulations brother Hon. Seth Kamanza Mwatela for getting at the helm. Weβre very hopeful that the County Assemblies Forum will now have a fresh breath hence live to protect devolution in the country,β he said.
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βToday marks a new chapter and I am deeply humbled with gratitude for the trust and confidence the members of Kenya County Assemblies Forum have placed in me by electing me as the Chairman of the County Assembly Forum (CAF),β said Mwatela.
Mwatela said that the county assembly support for his election reflects their collective vision and commitment to strengthening devolution and enhancing service delivery across 47 counties.
The Kwale assembly speaker appreciated members of the county assembly across the counties saying that his leadership will be of commitment and integrity as well as inclusiveness.
βAs we embark on this journey together, I call upon each one of us for your continued cooperation, guidance, and active participation,β he added.
The success of County assembly forums, he noted that it lies in united effort among the county assembly members and not the leadership part only.
βLet us work together to ensure that CAF remains a strong, respected voice for county assemblies, and a pillar of support for the devolution agenda,β said speaker Kamanza.
Kwale residents also went on to congratulate Kamanza saying that his leadership skills have proved by being elected in the county assembliesβ forum.
βWinning by a margin of 96 votes out of 103 is a remarkable achievement and a clear testament to your strong leadership and the confidence your peers have in you. As you take on this important role, I encourage you to remain a steadfast advocate for all county assemblies, while continuing to prioritize the interests of Kwale County. Your dedication and commitment are vital to the progress of our community, βsaid Thashy Luvuno, a Kwale resident.
His leadership skills have seen the county assembly of Kwale move its activities to the ward level by ensuring citizens get to know what transpires in the house of laws.
This has been achieved through the assembly mashinani program where motions and entire house activities are done from the ward venue.
