Senators plan to renew push for county boards after facing hitch

The Senate in session. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Wamatangi said if all leaders support a law that was sponsored by Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, the lawmakers’ oversight of county governments would improve.
  • Apart from bringing the leadership together, they would help ensure accountability and development.

Senators are planning to revisit the issue of county development boards that were last year declared unconstitutional by the High Court.

Mr Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) said senators intend to reconsider the matter with a view to having the boards in place, arguing that they will create a platform where all elected leaders can put their heads together to steer development in their respective counties.

He said they believe the boards — which were meant to bring together national government representatives, senators, governors, MPs and MCAs in their respective regions — will address most of the devolution challenges such as misappropriation of funds, wrong priorities and infighting.

Mr Wamatangi said if all leaders support a law that was sponsored by Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, the lawmakers’ oversight of county governments would improve.

He added that the move would further streamline leaders’ participation in the 47 counties.

“The law has solutions to most of the devolution challenges we are experiencing. We are having these challenges because there is no platform where elected leaders sit together to discuss development projects and other issues affecting their respective counties,” Mr Wamatangi said yesterday.

Last year, judges Isaac Lenaola, Mumbi Ngugi and George Odunga ruled that the 2014 County Government (Amendment) Act was null and void as it gave senators, MPs and the executive unlawful powers to interfere with county governments.

But according to Mr Wamatangi, the law, which was also opposed by governors, would have enabled senators to effectively perform their oversight role on county governments as mandated by the Constitution, thereby ensure transparency and accountability.

“The boards are very useful in the coordination of development projects and budget making in counties, with governors being in charge of the implementation of the work,” he said.

During a Senate retreat at Windsor County Club, which was held two weeks ago, Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro said he would use various means to ensure the boards are put in place.

According to him, apart from bringing the leadership together, they would help ensure accountability and development.