Experts zoom in on county governments
Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi said the team would outline the responsibilities of the 47 counties, some of which have been under his ministry in the past. Photo/FILE
Technocrats in the Local Government ministry have started analysing the governance structure proposed in the new constitution with a view to implementing it.
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the issues to be handled by the experts include county governments and how they will work in the new dispensation.
Speaking in Lamu at the weekend, Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Local Government minister, said the team would outline the responsibilities of the 47 counties, some of which have been under his ministry in the past.
“There are challenging issues and our team of lawyers is analysing them as indicated in the new constitution,” he said.
The minister, however, said Parliament is also expected to pass laws that will govern county governments, which will replace the current structure of local authorities.
Mr Mudavadi said the new constitution will also end the leadership wrangles among councillors as Parliament will pass laws that will curb such rows. Mayors will be elected directly by wananchi.
Asked whether he was in Lamu to address wrangles in county council, he said: “I am here to take a break with my family. Those things you are talking about will be history. Parliament will now be dealing with such issues.”
Empty talk
The minister down played talk of standoff among Lamu councillors. “Don’t create rumours where there is none. Everything is well and if there are any problems I would have been at the county hall bringing the warring factions together,” said Mr Mudavadi, who had private talks with Mkomani ward councillor Omar Makenzi.
Two factions, one allied to chairman Abdullah Kassim Ahmed and another led by former chairman Hassan Al Beity, have paralysed operations at the council, with the camps engaged in superiority contests.
