Local authorities will remain, says Mudavadi

Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi has said the new Constitution will not affect the operations of local authorities.

He said his Ministry will set up a task force to look into the devolved system of governance whose recommendations will be tabled in Parliament.

Speaking Tuesday when he officially opened a bus park in Kabarnet town, Mr Mudavadi said the team will comprise officials from the Office of the President, the Ministries of Nairobi Metropolitan and Lands and other experts.

“They will gather views from the grassroots level and they will be ready by 2012. For now just continue discharging your duties,” he assured the local government officials.

“All the 47 counties will be catered for. Just rest assured that it will be a participatory process.”

On the issue of campaigns for county seats, Mr Mudavadi told leaders to refrain from wasting time campaigning and instead serve Kenyans.

“With the new Constitution, wananchi (locals) have a right to petition the dissolution of parliament and call for fresh elections. We should embark on implementing the new law first,” he said.

He said the counties will only assist in administration but the central government will remain the same.