Governors criticise MPs over Sh3.4b fund

Governors have taken issue with Members of Parliament over their bid to take over management of a Sh3.4 billion fund for marginalized areas from the county to the constituency.

The MPs unanimously passed the bill to amend the Constitution so that money allocated as the Equalisation Fund is managed at their constituencies alongside CDF.

During debate on the motion by Samburu MP West MP Lati Lelelit the MPs argued Constituency Development Fund structures are well established and money designated to be spent at the constituency level is better spent that way.

On Thursday, the Council of Governors criticised the MPs saying it was wrong for the Equalisation Fund to be ‘’lumped together’’ with CDF which in itself has raised controversy over its management.

Speaking after a meeting with Editors in Nairobi, the governors said the MPs action also raise questions about separation of powers.

“It is not right to go that way when we know there are serious issues we have been raising about separation of powers,’’said Wajir’s Ahmed Abdullahi, chair of the council’s Finance and Economic Affairs committee.

They county bosses indicated they would seek advise from the court on the matter.

Mr Alfred Mutua (Machakos) urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure he does not support any laws meant to kill devolution or moves meant to kill devolution.

“Power is in the hands of the people and not bureaucrats and politicians sitting in Nairobi,’’ Mr Mutua said.