DP William Ruto hails devolution for transforming lives in rural Kenya

Deputy President William Ruto has hailed devolution saying despite a few challenges, it has revolutionised the lives of Kenyans living in rural areas.

Mr Ruto said devolution has also allowed Kenyans to have a say in development matters.

Speaking when he met Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa who called on him in his Karen office Thursday morning, the Deputy President challenged Kenyans to be more involved in determining development priorities.

“The public should be more involved in asking for areas of priority in development so that projects which address their concerns are implemented,” said Mr Ruto.

He said the main push for a new constitution was the desire by the people to devolve resources and make decisions at the grassroots.

LIVES TRANSFORMED

Mr Ruto said despite the challenges in implementing the system, devolution has greatly transformed the lives of millions of Kenyans across the country.

“I am happy that despite the challenges we have in implementing the system of governance, devolution has brought hope to millions of Kenyans across the country,” said Mr Ruto.

He said counties were now implementing projects at the grassroots in line with the people’s priorities without interference from the national government.

“The original push for [changing] the constitution came because of a feeling by citizens that resources were not being distributed equitably while others felt that they were being marginalised,” said Mr Ruto.

“Devolution has now addressed such concerns because citizens can make their own decisions on how best their resources at the grassroots can be utilised,” added Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President said by the end of 2016, the government would have devolved Sh1 trillion.

On her part, Ms Kuugongelwa praised efforts being made by Kenya in implementing devolution.

“I must say we are happy at the manner in which issues of devolution are being implemented as one way of transforming the lives of the people,” she said.

“Participatory leadership is key to attaining development in our continent and as a country we are hoping to share with Kenya on how best we can improve our system of governance to improve the lives of our citizens,” added Ms Kuugongelwa.

COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT

The Namibian Prime Minister, at the same time, said Kenya is helping her country to come up with a strong and vibrant cooperative movement to help its people access credit facilities.

She said her country would learn from Kenya’s vibrant and dynamic cooperative movement with a view to setting up a similar one in Namibia.

“Kenya’s cooperative sector is reputed to be one of the best in Africa and this is why we want to borrow a leaf from it,” She said.

Ms Kuugongelwa said pension schemes in Namibia were not willing to help the people access credit facilities noting that the cooperative movement was the only way to solving problems facing its people.

“We are working closely with Kenya to tap its potentiality in the co-operative sector to help people get access to credit facilities. We are optimistic that we will succeed,” said Ms Kuugongelwa.

Mr Ruto said Kenya’s cooperative movement has transformed the lives of its people through credit facilities.

He said the cooperative movement has up to Sh420 billion available for credit facilities noting that the sector plays a key role in the development of the country.

“The cooperative movement is a key player in Kenya’s economy besides providing employment opportunities to thousands of people,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President said Kenya’s diplomacy is now focusing more on how to improve and carry out business activities with other countries across the globe.

“As African countries we must up our game and share experiences on what we can do to improve the lives of our people through trade,” he added.