Shelve plans for new chamber, MCAs told
What you need to know:
- Nyando MP Fred Outa said while it was fine for the county Assembly to get a new chamber, the proposed cost was too high.
- He called on the county Assembly to shelve plans for a new chamber. “We can have a good chamber later. Let the MCAs use the current chamber and channel the funds to the many critical sectors that are currently suffering because of underfunding.”
- Local politician Erick Okeyo said by approving the budget, the MCAs had sent a message that they had no interest in what mattered to the people.
Some leaders in Kisumu have opposed plans to build a new county assembly chamber at a cost of Sh800 million.
While members of the county assembly have defended their move to approve the budget, some leaders are accusing the ward reps of having misplaced priorities.
They are of the view that a new chamber is not important at the moment, especially after the county spent Sh11 million to renovate the current one barely a year ago.
Nyando MP Fred Outa said while it was fine for the county Assembly to get a new chamber, the proposed cost was too high.
“To me, the proposal is outrageous since this region has several incomplete projects, which must be given priority instead of starting a new one,” said Mr Outa.
He called on the county Assembly to shelve plans for a new chamber. “We can have a good chamber later. Let the MCAs use the current chamber and channel the funds to the many critical sectors that are currently suffering because of underfunding.”
Local politician Erick Okeyo said by approving the budget, the MCAs had sent a message that they had no interest in what mattered to the people.
“Surely, we don’t need a new assembly, more so, at such a cost. We want the MCAs to prioritise setting up the necessary structures of devolution at the grassroots,” said Mr Okeyo.
He accused the MCAs of making important decisions without involving the public as required by law.
UNDERSTAFFED HOSPITALS
“They must realise that the county still has understaffed hospitals and bad roads, among others. We really don’t need an assembly now,” said Mr Okeyo.
However, Majority Leader Samuel Ong’ow defended the move, arguing that the current chamber was not good for conducting business.
The other option would be to rent offices, but it would be even more expensive, he said.
“The MCAs currently lack adequate space for holding committee meetings. Building a new assembly will, therefore, benefit the whole county and not MCAs, as perceived.
“Locals are unable to follow proceedings because the public gallery is small,” he said.
“The assembly is an important arm of the county and a priority as well. Whoever thinks otherwise does not know what legislation is all about,” added Mr Ong’ow.
The MCAs passed the motion approving the construction on September 16.
The motion further sanctioned change of the assembly sittings from the current premises to the County Hall to give way for the construction.
The county executive had initially approved a Sh200 million for the project, but the MCAs rejected the proposal, saying the money was not enough.
