Mt Elgon Sub County in Bungoma County is set to receive an initial Sh80 million Equalization Fund after a four-year spirited fight by Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
The funds will be shared between Kamugul, Kubura, Chepyuk, Sambocho, Koshok, Sacho, Kapkurongo, Chongeywo and Mt Elgon Forest.
In January 2018, Governor Wangamati took a team from Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA) on a tour to Mt Elgon in a campaign to have the region considered for the Equalization Fund.
According to Governor Wangamati, Mt Elgon is a marginalized sub-county whose redemption is only hinged on a ‘marshal plan’ of sorts.
During the visit to the region, the governor showed the team the best and worst of Mt Elgon and drew them to the dearth of social amenities in the region.
Speaking to a CRA delegation led by Chair Jane Kiringai and Vice Chair Humphrey Watanga, the governor also said that Mt Elgon which has the best soils in the region and the potential to feed the entire western region through agricultural investments had for a long period been neglected by the revenue allocators.
CRA Chair Kiringai pleaded with the county auditor to follow up and ensure the funds serve the people according to the governor’s agreement during the signing of the funds cheque.
Other counties that have benefited from the Equalization Fund are Turkana, Lamu, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Samburu, West Pokot, Tana River, Narok, Kwale, Garissa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta and Isiolo.
Equalization Funds are meant for the provision of basic services including water, roads, health facilities and electricity in the counties considered marginalized.
Speaking to KNA, area Member of Parliament Fred Kapondi lauded Governor Wangamati for his efforts and pleaded with the people to support him in his gubernatorial race.
Residents who attended the handing over of the cheque also expressed their joy and promised to be the commission’s watchdog on the utilization of the funds.
By Mwangi Oliver and Roseland Lumwamu
