Departments

Mandate of the Department

The Department of Legislative and Procedural Services provides procedural and legislative support, administrative support, and serves as an interface between the House and both internal and external stakeholders. The Department was established in 2021 following the restructuring of County Assembly operations by the County Assembly Service Board to enhance service delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Prepares the draft County Assembly calendar for approval by the House.
• Prepares, processes, and circulates the weekly programme of business, Order Papers, and Votes and Proceedings.
• Provides procedural advice and facilitates timely disposal of House business as directed by the House Business Committee (HBC).
• Facilitates distribution of Bills, reports, and other Assembly publications.
• Provides secretariat services to Standing Committees of the County Assembly.
• Coordinates and supervises committee operations and functions.
• Provides procedural and legislative research support to the House and Members.
• Promotes public participation and awareness of the role of the County Assembly.
• Acts as a link between the County Assembly and external legislative and inter-parliamentary bodies.
• Drafts and coordinates publication of Bills, Motions, Sessional Papers, Statements, Questions, and Petitions.
• Maintains custody and archives journals, Votes, Proceedings, and official Assembly records.
• Prepares and manages messages between the County Assembly and the Office of the Governor.
• Processes petitions submitted to the County Assembly by members of the public.
• Supports Chamber operations and research for Speaker’s rulings.
• Facilitates Assembly diplomacy through caucuses and friendship groups with other assemblies and parliaments.
• Maintains tracking registers for petitions, regulations, motions, and Speaker’s communications.

Mandate of the Department

The Committee Services Department was re-aligned in 2021 as part of the restructuring of County Assembly operations initiated by the County Assembly Service Board to improve service delivery. The Department provides administrative and technical support to Members of the County Assembly in the execution of committee functions, including preparation of meeting schedules and provision of procedural advice to Committee Chairpersons.

Functions of the Department

• Coordinates units within the Committee Services Department.
• Coordinates provision of technical and administrative support to Sectoral Committees.
• Organizes seminars and conferences for continuous capacity building and networking for Members and staff.
• Ensures proper records management of committee minutes and documents for research and parliamentary reference.
• Supervises preparation and management of chamber documents to guide plenary business.
• Coordinates overall committee functions of the County Assembly.
• Provides technical and administrative services to Assembly Committees and the County Assembly Service Board.
• Ensures compliance with parliamentary procedure, practice, and rules.
• Conducts corruption risk analysis and advises management on mitigation measures and integrity reporting.
• Performs compliance checks to enhance adherence to ethical standards across the Assembly.
• Supports design and implementation of program evaluation and operational research initiatives.
• Plans and implements Monitoring and Evaluation capacity-building initiatives for Assembly staff.
• Develops Monitoring and Evaluation plans for Assembly programs.
• Develops and implements data quality assurance strategies for Assembly programs.

Brief Description and Section Mandates

The Finance, Accounts and Procurement Department is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and procurement functions of the County Assembly. The Department consists of three key sections whose mandates include the following:

1. Finance Section

• Prepares planning and budget documents for the County Assembly.
• Develops section work plans.
• Coordinates sourcing of funds for Assembly operations.
• Advises on prioritization of programmes for resource allocation.
• Monitors Assembly expenditure through vote book control.

2. Accounts Section

• Processes payments and financial transactions.
• Prepares section work plans.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintains the Fixed Assets Register.
• Prepares audit responses and supports audit processes.

3. Procurement Section

• Procures goods, works, and services for the County Assembly.
• Prepares the consolidated annual procurement and disposal plan.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and statutory procurement reports.
• Manages stores and inventory.
• Advises the County Assembly on procurement matters.
• Maintains and safeguards procurement and disposal records in compliance with regulations.
• Implements and enforces public procurement laws and procedures.

Mandate of the Department

The core mandate of the ICT Department is to enable the Bungoma County Assembly to operate as an efficient, results-oriented, and citizen-centered institution through the provision of high-quality, customer-focused information technology services. The Department supports the Assembly in the execution of its legislative, oversight, and representation functions through innovative digital solutions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the design, development, testing, and implementation of computer applications.
• Oversees customization, configuration, and installation of ICT infrastructure including networks, telephony, email, and information security systems.
• Provides ICT solutions and technical support to departments.
• Coordinates software upgrades, documentation, and maintenance of ICT systems.
• Implements ICT policies, standards, and best practices.
• Trains end users on Information Communication Technology tools and systems.
• Prepares system performance and progress reports.
• Initiates ICT procurement processes in line with approved budgets.

The Public Communication and Media Relations Section is responsible for strengthening public relations activities within and outside the County Assembly. The Section develops and implements effective communication strategies, engages the media on behalf of the Assembly, and sensitizes Members of the County Assembly on media relations and image management

Roles and Responsibilities

• Designs and recommends corporate communication materials to enhance the Assembly’s brand and image.
• Strengthens public access to County Assembly information and engagement platforms.
• Coordinates the Assembly’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Develops and updates County Assembly website content.
• Provides protocol and event coordination services.
• Promotes public participation in legislation and oversight processes.
• Strengthens partnerships, linkages, and stakeholder relations.
• Enhances outreach programmes and promotes democratic values of the County Assembly.
• Identifies appropriate media channels to disseminate Assembly information.
• Initiates procurement processes in line with approved budgets.
• Supports live broadcast and coverage of House proceedings.
• Facilitates the Speaker’s Office in promoting the public image of the County Assembly.

Department Profile

Internal Audit is an independent and objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve the operations of the County Assembly. The Department applies a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.

Vision Statement

To be a trusted advisor to the Accounting Officer and the Audit Committee of the Bungoma County Assembly by providing insights that enhance and protect organizational value.

Mandate and Responsibilities

• Prepares the Internal Audit Charter for approval by the Audit Committee and ensures periodic updates.
• Develops a flexible annual audit plan using a risk-based methodology and submits it, together with resource requirements, to the Audit Committee for approval.
• Implements the approved annual audit plan including special reviews requested by management or the Audit Committee.
• Coordinates and provides oversight of external auditors and regulators to ensure optimal audit coverage.
• Supports investigations into suspected irregularities or fraud and reports findings to management and the Audit Committee.
• Provides audit reports to management and the Audit Committee on completed reviews.
• Prepares quarterly and annual status reports highlighting outstanding audit issues.
• Conducts reviews with professional skepticism while recognizing that prevention and detection of fraud is a shared responsibility across the Assembly.

Mandate of the Department

The Legal Department provides legal advisory, legislative drafting, and litigation support services to the County Assembly and the County Assembly Service Board (CASB). The Department ensures compliance with the law while supporting the Assembly in the execution of its legislative, oversight, and administrative functions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Drafts Bills for consideration by the County Assembly.
• Prepares Committee stage amendment reports to Bills proposed by Members or Committees.
• Advises the Speaker, Clerk, Members of the Assembly, and staff on legal matters.
• Represents the County Assembly and CASB in court proceedings.
• Manages litigation and dispute resolution processes.
• Drafts, negotiates, reviews, and attests contracts.
• Liaises with the Office of the County Attorney on litigation involving the Assembly.
• Drafts motions, statements, and other legislative instruments.
• Processes petitions submitted to the County Assembly.
• Reviews existing laws and recommends reforms.
• Promotes public participation initiatives including Bunge Mashinani programmes.
• Reviews claims, arbitration matters, and prepares draft responses.
• Undertakes legal research on matters before the Assembly.
• Prepares legal opinions and provides advice on commercial and legislative matters.

Mandate and Functions

The Research and Library Services Department provides professional research, policy analysis, and information services to support the legislative, oversight, and representation functions of the County Assembly.

Research Services — Mandate

• Provides non-partisan professional research and analytical support to Members, Committees, and staff.
• Prepares Assembly reports, policy briefs, background papers, discussion papers, and factsheets.
• Produces research papers and supports their publication and dissemination.
• Provides technical research support to County Assembly Committees.
• Conducts anticipatory research and analysis on emerging policy issues.
• Provides expert interpretation, explanation, and evaluation of policy options, including assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

Library Services — Core Functions

• Provides information services to Members, staff, and stakeholders of the County Assembly.
• Facilitates access to information resources and knowledge materials.
• Assists users in locating and utilizing information resources.
• Supports development of information literacy skills for current and future research needs.

The County Assembly of Bungoma Budget Office (CABO) mirrors the National Parliament Budget Office, which was established to strengthen legislative oversight of public finances. The creation of budget offices addressed historical limitations where legislatures had minimal capacity to analyze budget proposals and effectively oversee public expenditure.

Following the 2010 Constitution and the establishment of County Governments, County Assemblies were mandated under Article 185 to exercise legislative authority, including participation in the budget process. The Bungoma County Assembly Budget Office was established in 2013 at the onset of devolution. It is headed by a Principal Fiscal Analyst and staffed by Fiscal Analysts.

CABO is a non-partisan professional office that provides objective analysis and advisory services on budget, finance, and economic matters to support Members in their legislative and oversight roles.

Strategic Objective

To strengthen the capacity of Members in oversight, representation, and legislative functions relating to public financial management.

Core Values

• Professionalism
• Impartiality
• Objectivity
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Teamwork

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles of CABO are derived from the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, particularly Section 10.

• Provides professional budget, finance, and economic analysis to Assembly Committees.
• Prepares reports on budget projections and economic forecasts.
• Analyzes fiscal risks arising from government policies and programs.
• Reviews budget proposals and economic trends and makes recommendations.
• Builds partnerships with National and County Treasuries and other relevant institutions.
• Ensures timely publication of CABO reports and documents.
• Provides analysis of Money Bills submitted to the Assembly.
• Analyzes fiscal documents from the Executive, Controller of Budget, and Auditor-General.

Our Clients

• The People of Bungoma County
• Members of the County Assembly
• The County Executive
• National Assembly and Senate
• National Government
• Judiciary
• County Governments
• Constitutional Bodies and Independent Institutions
• The Media
• International Parliamentary Bodies and Partners
• Research Institutions and Academia
• Private Sector
• Non-Governmental Organizations and Community-Based Organizations
• Development Partners
• County Assembly Staff

The Human Resource and Administration Department oversees management of the County Assembly’s human capital and administrative operations. The Department is responsible for formulation, interpretation, implementation, and review of Human Resource policies, rules, regulations, and procedures to ensure effective service delivery.

The Department manages the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, performance management, staff development, and separation. The Administration function supports secretarial services, transport management, records management, and general operational services that enable the Assembly to function efficiently.

Achievements

Since its establishment, the Department has supported the County Assembly Service Board in recruiting competent staff who contribute to the Assembly’s constitutional mandate of legislation, oversight, and representation. The Department is also implementing a Performance Management framework to strengthen accountability and staff productivity.

Records Management Section

The Records Management Section ensures security, storage, maintenance, and accessibility of Assembly information and records. It supports efficient creation, preservation, transmission, and utilization of information to enhance institutional knowledge.

Mandate of the Records Management Section

• Implements records management policies and procedures.
• Develops systems for storage and management of Assembly documents.
• Liaises with departments and professional agencies on records management.
• Supports training and professional development of records staff.
• Coordinates records disposal schedules with relevant government agencies.
• Coordinates procurement processes for registry services.
• Identifies training needs based on performance appraisals.
• Mentors and coaches records management staff.
• Maintains file movement tracking systems.
• Manages registry services efficiently.
• Prepares budget estimates for registry services.

Works Section

The Works Section supports infrastructure development and maintenance of Assembly facilities. The Section collaborates with other departments to ensure safe, functional, and well-maintained working environments that support legislative operations.

Mandate of the Works Section

• Plans, designs, and prepares building contract documentation.
• Undertakes general repair and maintenance of Assembly facilities.
• Supervises construction and maintenance works.
• Conducts rehabilitation and infrastructure maintenance.
• Inspects, commissions, and tests electrical and mechanical safety of buildings.
• Maintains vehicles, equipment, and machinery.
• Oversees project management where external consultants are engaged.
• Ensures compliance with procedures in infrastructure projects.
• Maintains Assembly furniture and related assets.