Counties push for role in war on insecurity

What you need to know:

  • County bosses who spoke to the Nation yesterday said they would also use the meeting to push for an increase in funding for devolved units and better relations with the national government.
  • The governor also said he would not relent in his Pesa Mashinani drive. He said he would use the forum to remind the national government to increase the counties’ budget allocation for development.
  • “The push for an increase in funding should not be viewed as a way of undermining the national government. Instead, it should be viewed as a way of meeting the targeted dream of growing the economy by a double digit,” he said.

Governors are set to use the second devolution conference to push for their involvement in security matters.

County bosses who spoke to the Nation Sunday said they would also use the meeting to push for an increase in funding for devolved units and better relations with the national government.

Governors Isaac Ruto (Bomet), Okoth Obado (Migori), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Wycliff Oparanya (Kakamega), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho) and Ukur Yatani (Marsabit) said they were better placed to beef up security because they were on the ground.

The governors have also called for the gazettement of rules that will guide the setting up of the county policing authorities, which they will chair. The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution assigns the management of security to the national government.

Mr Ruto, who is also the Council of Governors chairman, wants the management of security services, particularly the Administration Police, devolved.

CURB CRIME

“County governments know more about the security situations in their regions and are in a better position to curb crime,” he told the Nation.

The governor also said he would not relent in his Pesa Mashinani drive. He said he would use the forum to remind the national government to increase the counties’ budget allocation for development.

“The push for an increase in funding should not be viewed as a way of undermining the national government. Instead, it should be viewed as a way of meeting the targeted dream of growing the economy by a double digit,” he said.

Mr Awiti said: “The biggest challenge that has been affecting devolution in the past two years is inadequate funding.”

Prof Chepkwony said more funds would ensure counties fulfil their mandate in improving health, agriculture and security. The meeting is set to take place at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu from tomorrow.