Merge duplicate functions, say senators

Senators want similar functions being undertaken by national and county governments integrated to improve service delivery and save public resources.

The lawmakers said duplication of services will be costly to the taxpayers who are already grappling with high cost of living.

Senator Amos Wako (Busia, ODM) said there was a need for Parliament to legislate on how the two levels of government can cooperate to roll out the functions without conflicts.

He cited functions in rural electrification, natural resources and environment, water, health, and roads as those that are being undertaken by the national and county governments.

Mr Wako said the Transition Authority was responsible for reviewing the functions to see which level of government can effectively handle them. He said the government cannot tackle insecurity without involving county governments.

He expressed concern that the security function was left to the national government only.

Speaking during the debate of a report of the sessional committee on devolved government that was tabled before the House by Senator Kipchumba Murkomen yesterday, Mr Wako noted that any legislation that touches on insecurity must involve the locals.

The Report on Counties’ Appeal for Transfer of Functions details resolutions adopted following public hearings to assess the level of preparedness and the capacity of counties to perform functions they want devolved.

The report recommends that agriculture, roads, rural electrification, natural resources and environment and library services be fully transferred to counties to ease service delivery.