Let BBI add muscles for devolution, calls Mandago.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago EGH, wants the Commission for Revenue Allocation to be empowered to have final say on amount of funds to counties.
Governor Mandago says Building Bridges Initiative should address pressing issues like strengthening devolution through honest recommendations.
Speaking in Ngenyilel’s St Mary’s Osorongai Catholic Church during a thanksgiving, on Sunday, Mandago said CRA should determine the monies to counties.
“The (CRA) commission should be empowered to determine and direct the amount of money that the national government gives counties.”
At the moment, Mandago says, the commission is simply playing advisory role on how much each county ought to get. “…if this is addressed, we shall be strengthening devolution.”
The Governor also proposed strengthening of devolved units through taking crucial services further deeper into the grassroots.
“I am for the idea that instead of regional governments, counties should have more allocation so that services go deeper into villages; closer to the mwananchi.”
Also, Mandago said economic blocs formed by counties should be used as bait to spur economic growth instead of introducing regional governments.
Several other leaders weighed in on the BBI.
Trans Nzoia women rep Janet Nangabo said: “Kenyans want peace. We do not want division brought about by crafty political deals that shortchange other people.”
“Why would politicians be funded and allowed to do rallies in the name of educating the people on the BBI when there’s a taskforce established by the president?”
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said: “Haji has been overtaken by people with political interests. Let the taskforce be given the opportunity to handle issues of the BBI.”
MPs Gladys Shollei (UG women rep), Purity Ngirichi (Kirinyaga women rep), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Janet Rotich (Turbo), Didmas Barasa (Kimilili), Robert Pukose (Endebes) were in attendance.
Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, former Cherangang legislator Kipruto Kirwa, area MCA David Sing’oei and Faruk Kibet are the other leaders who were present.
