Standoff over salaries may kill devolution, Transition body warns

The ongoing standoff over salaries might lead to the collapse of devolution if the issue is not quickly addressed, the Transition Authority has warned.

The Transition Authority Thursday said there was an “imminent collapse of devolution” over the standoff between the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).

TA chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi told reporters in Nairobi that the authority is concerned that the transition process is grinding to a halt as leaders spectate.

“Devolution is facing imminent collapse as a result of this stand-off between county assembly members and the salaries commission. We are concerned because there is already a crunch in service delivery at the county governments,” Mr Wamwangi said at a press conference in Nairobi.

JOB RE-EVALUATION

The dispute over salary increments between striking MCA and the SRC escalated earlier this week after the Sarah Serem Commission declared that it would not increase the salaries of the ward representatives unless they are subjected to a job re-evaluation.

The new developments have left the running of county government operations in jeopardy as the (MCAs) who have been on a go-slow for two months, fought back saying their demands must be met before they can comply with Mrs Serem’s directive.

The representatives, who earn between Sh185,000 and Sh217,000 inclusive of allowances are demanding to be paid Sh300,000.

It is this stalemate that has now left TA worried as operations at the county governments slowly grind to a halt.

Mr Wamwangi said the assembly plays a crucial role of legislation and oversight besides vetting and approving various nominees to the county public service and warned that their continued has greatly hampered the running of county governments.

“Most county governments are currently unable to collect revenue, spend, borrow or even implement plans because crucial legislations have not been passed. There is need to address these circumstances with urgency or the county governments will collapse,” he said.

He said his authority in ready to mediate the dispute in order to help the two parties solve the matter with the required “urgency and finality.”

“We are also proposing that an arbitration team that is acceptable to both sides be constituted to interrogate all the available options that can help resolve this impasse immediately,” he said.

He further appealed to the county reps to soften their stance and give dialogue a chance.