Law is more prescriptive than policy in defining the conduct of government and society within a given jurisdiction. A legislative proposal should always emanate from a public policy, a decision-making process that sets the government’s objectives and the strategy to achieve them. Some policies require only relatively minor administrative or regulatory measures for their implementation, while others require the adoption of new legislation. Even the annual budget, which is a critical means to implement government policies, is converted into law by the County Assembly (appropriation).
When regulating conduct of government and/or citizens, law might offer incentives, or more often define sanctions and penalties for breaches of such conduct. Law may be developed for the long-term (e.g. constitution) or short-term (e.g. annual budget appropriations). Legislative proposals may originate from the Executive but also from political parties, business associations, organized groups or even individual citizens. All county laws are made (or passed) by the County Assembly.
