Member of County Assembly position is one hot seat, that many aspiring politicians see it as a stepping stone into the political scene. The competition is always fierce and with a salary amounting to more than Ksh 300,000 a month, the temptation to get in is irresistible.
An MCA or a Ward Representatives just like an MP has the role of representation, legislation, and oversight. He/she represent residents from his/ her ward in governance at the county level, as he/she can make and amend laws that affect the counties and oversee the executive arm of the county government.
Every five years during the general elections, Kenyan in different counties elect an MCA of their choice. For one to qualify to run for an MCA seat, there are set qualifications and standards that must be met by the aspirant.
Requirements
- Must be a Kenyan citizen for at least 10 years before the election and not hold dual citizenship (unless, according to IEBC, the citizenship of the other country has been obtained by operation of law without the capacity to opt-out)
- Must have attained minimum age limit to vie for the position of a member of the county assembly in Kenya of 18 years and above.
- Must be a registered voter and nominated by a Political Party or is an independent candidate.
- Must meet the statutory moral and ethical requirements under the Leadership and Integrity Act and not be a public officer or acting in any State of public office other than a Member of the County Assembly;
- Must not be declared bankrupt or of unsound mind
- Must not have been found to have abused or misused state or public office or contravened Chapter Six of the Constitution or subject to a sentence of imprisonment of at least six months from the date of registration of candidates or date of elections
Candidates should submit a duly filled Commission Nomination Form 18 containing Statutory Declaration Form and Self-Declaration Form. For an independent candidate, they are expected to submit a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties, and a copy of at least 500 supporters in a form prescribed by IEBC.
A nomination fees worth Ksh 5000 is payable to the IEBC in the form of a bankers cheque, while for a candidate who is a woman, a person with a disability or youth, they will part with Ksh 2500.
