Assembly members scramble to ‘study irrigation’ in Israel

Israel has become the hottest destination for Kenyan county assembly members.

So far, 14 delegations have made the trip to the Middle East country to “study the kibbutz irrigation system”.

The latest to make the pilgrimage were members of the Kisumu county assembly who ended a five-day visit last Friday. Others members who made the lucrative trips this year were from Vihiga, Mandera, Bungoma, Kitui, Tana River and Kiambu.

Investigations by the Nation revealed that the trips have been turned into holidays and spiritual expeditions, with MCAs touring holy sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem and the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, Nazareth.

BOUGHT 'HOLY WATER'

The kibbutz system saves water and fertiliser by allowing water to drip directly to the roots of plants through a network of valves, pipes, tubes and emitters.

The MCAs say the method is suitable for dry counties.

Kisumu leader of majority Samuel Ong’ow said the members made the Sh15 million trip in a bid to boost food production.  “We want our people to live knowing they will have something to eat the next day,” he said.

“Israel is a dry country yet it leads in world fruit production. Those are some of the things we are interested in learning,” he said.

Kiambu county assembly members who went on the trip are said to have brought “holy water” for their colleagues who did not travel.

Concerns have been raised that governors sanction the trips because the assemblies control county budgets. The governors also fear being impeached.

Budgets for the trips are approved by county public service boards which are chaired by assembly speakers.

Controller of Budget Agnes Adhiambo has warned county assemblies against spending too much on trips.

She said affected counties would have to refund the cash and those that contravened the law would be prosecuted.

“We are aware MCAs have a role to play, including accounting for funds allocated to them. I understand most are spending monies on trips. I wish to remind them that those found to have misappropriated funds will face the full wrath of the law,” she said.

For instance, Mandera members’ trip is estimated to have cost Sh30 million. Each of the 22 members was also paid a Sh200,000 allowance.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said the assemblies had resorted to the trips as a way of spending money that should be returned to the Treasury.

“Some trips can add value while others could well be schemes to squander money. While I do not wish to wholesomely condemn foreign trips by MCAs, there is need to control them,” said Dr Khalwale.

Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi, whose constituency is in Vihiga County, said the assemblies should first exhaust all local learning opportunities before venturing out of the country.

“More money should be spent on development than on trips, otherwise they are killing devolution unknowingly,” he said.

However, Kitui director of communication Teddy Matuku said the trips were good for the members and that no money was wasted.

“The MCAs learned a lot about managing resources, including efficient use and recycling of drainage water for irrigation,” he said.