Devolution key to growth, says Kalonzo

The next government must ensure devolution becomes a reality, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

Mr Musyoka said that devolution of power and resources will ensure that the country achieves social and economic transformation at a much faster rate since counties will provide more avenues for job and wealth creation.

The, VP, however cautioned that as the nation focuses on devolution, care must be taken to ensure that corruption and mismanagement are not “devolved” as well.

Mr Musyoka who was speaking in St Paul and Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota called on Kenyans living abroad to consider deploying their skills and expertise to the envisaged county governments in order to boost their capacities.

“County governments will in the long run provide the much needed growth centres for our economy, enabling us to achieve Vision 2030 ahead of time. It is imperative therefore that no one is allowed to go and plunder resources available at the county level," he said Monday.

He said land reforms should ensure that available land is well utilised for agricultural production and cottage industries as well as manufacturing for value addition.

"I call on you to go straight to the counties and set up food processing plants, water bottling companies and even plants for manufacturing construction materials using experience you have gained abroad. These will create jobs for our people and wealth for you.” Mr Musyoka said.

The residents of Minnesota engaged the VP in an animated dialogue over a wide range of issues from economic management, respect of human rights and the fight against corruption, nepotism and negative ethnicity.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan praised Mr Musyoka as a visionary leader who espoused family values, integrity and servant leadership.

He said if Mr Musyoka was elected president, he would be trusted to implement the Constitution and continue with President Kibaki’s legacy.

Earlier, while  addressing Kenyans living and working in Atlanta Georgia, Mr Musyoka said the on going reforms in the judiciary and the police force are intended to inspire confidence in the rule of law among Kenyans.

“We want to avoid a situation where Kenyans take laws in their own hands because they have lost faith in the institutions that guarantees the rule of law."

He called on Kenyans living in the Diaspora to play a leading role in efforts to reconcile and heal the communities they come from.

“You are the best examples of de-tribalised Kenyans, and therefore, better place to preach peace and reconciliation," he said.