The National Government has stressed its commitment to support full implementation of devolution in a bid to ensure services are taken closer to the people.
Speaking at Sabata in Trans Nzoia County during the burial of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Wafula Chebukati, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi clarified that the National Government would continue to put in place measures to ensure the required support is given to devolved units.
Saying that the Kenya Kwanza Administration would go on record as the first government to ever channel more resources to counties, Mudavadi called for calm and cooperation from devolved units as disbursement of resources is enhanced.
The assurance comes amidst concerns by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya who had accused the National Government of what he termed deliberate efforts to frustrate devolution.
In his speech during the burial of Chebukati, Natembeya said the frequent delays by the National Government to release funds to counties were a ploy to kill devolution.
He further challenged the National Government to come out clear on the conflict between governors and the National Assembly on who should manage the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.
On the management of the levy, Mudavadi said the tussle was a good sign since it meant all were driven by the need for service delivery.
“I would like to say that governors and MPs, all being elected by people, are under pressure to deliver to the electorate which is a good thing. All want to be counted and no one wants to be left behind. That’s why each and every one is fighting to get an area where to meet the electorate on service delivery,” he said.
However, he said that court cases notwithstanding, there were deliberate efforts being considered to ensure that the issue is addressed as soon as possible to enable the public to access services.
“I would like to assure you that soon this issue will be addressed and Kenyans will start to get the much-coveted services. As a government, we have deliberate efforts to strengthen devolution,” he assured.
By Isaiah Nayika
