The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has been described as the key enabler in achieving the national government’s Big Four Agenda.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa said the initiative brought about after the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga has ushered in peace and cohesion in the country which is a key ingredient in the realization of development goals.
The BBI which was passed by 38 counties, he said contained many gains that will see the government keep track of the development projects outlined in the big four agenda.
Devolution, he said was the biggest winner since more resources shall be channeled to the counties to fund development projects.
“All the functions under the big four agenda are devolved. With additional resources channeled to the counties the government shall be able to achieve the big four agenda,” he said.
Speaking on Sunday during a fundraiser at Siala Limuru Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church in Kisumu West Sub county, Wamalwa took issue with those opposed to the BBI saying the notion that the initiative has derailed the government’s development agenda was unfounded.
“Before the handshake it was impossible to run a government. We have seen a lot of peace in the country that is why we are able to move around and keep track of government projects,” he said.
“You cannot delink BBI from the big four agenda because the latter cannot be achieved when there is no peace,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o who said through the BBI, a strong foundation shall be laid to propel the country to greater heights.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he said, came up with the initiative to bring the country together and resolve past mistakes that threatened to tear the country apart.
“We need to reflect on our past and focus on the future to grow national values and social cohesion which will be brought about by this initiative,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Ugunja Member of Parliament (MP) Opiyo Wandayi cautioned those opposed to the initiative to stop confusing Kenyans and instead declare their stand openly.
“There is no need to confuse Kenyans. If you don’t support the initiative then by default you are opposing it,” he said.
The National Assembly, he said, was processing the bill and will debate and pass it soon to pave way for a referendum.
“We are going to take the shortest time possible to debate the bill and pass it so that Kenyans reap the full benefits of this initiative,” he said.
by Chris Mahandara
