Counties ask for increased cash

The second Devolution Conference came to a close with a resolution that counties be allocated more resources.

In a joint communiqué signed by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru and Council of Governors Deputy chairman Salim Mvurya, the meeting called for immediate action on insecurity, delayed transfer of funds from the Treasury and counties’ limited capacity for legislation.

“The county and national governments remain committed to delivering the devolution promise to the people.

“When faced with challenges along the way, concerted efforts by both levels of government ensure it works,” said Mr Mvurya, who is also the Kwale governor.

Delegates at the three-day forum at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu pushed for the establishment of a clear revenue framework.
They further recommended that an audit, costing and transfer of public assets should be hastened to enable counties to to use the assets.

The conference also emphasised the need to devolve all functions within the constitutional time frames.

RESOLVE BOUNDARY DISPUTES

The resolutions, read by Mr Mvurya on Thursday evening, included the need to resolve boundary disputes as a matter of national importance.
The governors also sought the strengthening of links between counties and the national government.

For every recommendation, the delegates identified the ministries and departments responsible. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission was asked to urgently clarify job groups and remuneration of county executive officers.

The forum also proposed that the terms and conditions of service for county staff be improved to attract qualified professionals.

It further said the benefits and allowances for members of Parliament and county assemblies should be harmonised.

“The Council of Governors should work closely with (the) salaries commission in a bid to achieve this,” said Mr Mvurya.

Political parties were urged to convene a summit to discuss strategies for fulfilling the two-thirds gender rule.

The joint statement also called for the streamlining of policy development at the national and county levels to enhance women participation in leadership.

The conference recommended that the National Assembly, the Senate and county assemblies should consider adopting proportional representation to achieve the two-thirds principle.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

On laws, it suggested a speedy introduction of the county attorney and public participation.

“The role of public participation in governance and budget making shall be enhanced and the money for public participation found.”

The Senate was urged to pass a law to set up a county printing press to speed up publication of county laws.

It was noted that public confidence in devolution had increased, with Mr Mvurya saying the governance system was working.