Seven governors call for protection of devolution
From left: Frontier Counties Development Council Executive Director Idle Farah, Mandera Governor Ali Roba, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and Lamu Governor Issa Timmamy during a press conference on October 25 2016. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Marsabit governor Ukur Yattani, Ali Roba (Mandera), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Nathif Jama (Garissa), Issa Timamy (Lamu) and deputy governor Mohamed Guleid (Isiolo) and Tana River representative Abdikadir Suleiman all said devolution had had positive impact on the lives of Kenyans through development.
Governors from seven counties on Tuesday called for protection of devolution, saying it had transformed formerly marginalised regions.
Marsabit governor Ukur Yattani, Ali Roba (Mandera), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Nathif Jama (Garissa), Issa Timamy (Lamu) and deputy governor Mohamed Guleid (Isiolo) and Tana River representative Abdikadir Suleiman all said devolution had had positive impact on the lives of Kenyans through development.
"For us devolution is a miracle that has come too late. If it could have started at independence we could be too far," Mr Yattani said.
Speaking during launch of revised Marsabit County integrated development plan, Mr Yattani said "with devolution we will soon be like other Kenyans or even overtake them."
Mr Yattani said the counties were working to ensure better education and health standards.
"We want to emancipate our people from the yoke of poverty and underdevelopment," Mr Yattani added.
Governors Timamy, Jama, Abdullahi, Roba and Yattani vouched for peace in the region for growth.
They rooted for re-election of Mr Yattani for helping unite locals in the vast county that was known for frequent skirmishes.
Mr Yattani, they added, had further initiated huge development projects aimed at helping locals.
"We are telling the residents of the FCDC counties to re-elect their governors for ten years to complete the projects they initiated," said Yattani in responding to the leaders calls for his re-election bid.
Mr Roba also asked locals from the counties to shun radicalization from terror groups.
Mr Abdullahi echoed his colleagues’ sentiments saying marginalised areas are now picking up and enjoying fruits of devolution.
Mr Timamy applauded the county for the launch of CIDP saying it was the first county to revise it since the onset of devolution.
"All the counties have CIDP but Mr Yattani has revised his before 2017 elections to enable him win the election. We have declared without hesitation Ukur tosha," said the county boss.
