Ruto’s team still intent on referendum
The Governor of Bomet, Isaac Ruto (centre) speaks during the Council of Governors' devolution conference which was held at the Bomas of Kenya, on the 7th of March 2014. Council chairman Isaac Ruto said governors would push for an amendment of the Constitution to cater for the more than 70 per cent of the functions transferred to counties. Photo/Emma Nzioka
What you need to know:
- Council chairman Isaac Ruto said governors would push for an amendment of the Constitution to cater for the more than 70 per cent of the functions transferred to counties.
- Mr Ruto said people in the rural areas suffered a myriad of problems that only devolution could solve if the national government released more funds.
The Council of Governors has revisited the call for a referendum seeking to increase funding for devolved functions to 45 per cent.
Council chairman Isaac Ruto said governors would push for an amendment of the Constitution to cater for the more than 70 per cent of the functions transferred to counties.
Mr Ruto said people in the rural areas suffered a myriad of problems that only devolution could solve if the national government released more funds.
“How can the national government expect to grow its economy by double digits when it is denying the counties the much needed revenue?” he asked.
“Since it looks like the national government is not willing to have the funds released, the best way to go is to push for a referendum,” said the Bomet governor.
Mr Ruto was speaking at the Bomet Green Stadium on Saturday during the International Women’s Day celebrations where he was the guest speaker.
He was accompanied by his wife, Esther, Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony, Bomet Women Representative Cecilia Ngetich and former assistant minister Beatrice Kones.
Prof Chepkwony said Jubilee will only fulfill the pre-election promises it made to Kenyans ahead of the last General Election if more funds were given to counties.
