Senators trounce MPs in row on county development boards

Senate had wanted governors to be secretaries to the County Development Boards which the mediation team has rejected.

Senators have edged out their National Assembly counterparts in the tussle to chair the powerful forum on development programmes in counties.

The Mediation Committee formed to find a common ground over the contentious clauses of the County Government (Amendment) Bill has retained senators' proposals that they will be the chairpersons of County Development Boards (CDBs).

The issue of chairing the board was among the contentious ones that had been cited by the National Assembly members when they rejected the Bill, popularly referred to as the "Sang Bill".

The differences between the two Houses on the Bill led to a constitution of a Mediation Committee, chaired by Busia Senator Amos Wako, which agreed that senators chair the powerful boards.

Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, while tabling the committee's report at the Assembly, said they agreed to allow the senators chair the boards, but rejected the initial proposal that governors be secretaries. MPs said if the Bill is amended to include them, it would synchronise services being offered at the county and national levels.

Chepkonga said they agreed that the governors be deputies of the forum.

"Senators have a constitutional mandate to protect county governments' interests and we therefore felt that it was better if they chaired the boards," said Chepkonga.

The team proposes that the CDBs be set up 60 days after the General Election and comprise the senator, governor, MPs within the county, ward representatives and the County Secretary as the secretary to the board.

Chepkonga said nominated members have been put in positions for special interests groups and therefore should not be part of the board.

Ol Jororok MP Mureithi Waiganjo, while debating the Bill, said if passed it would force governors and MPs to discuss development projects within the county.

Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu supported the report saying once the board is established, it would be easy for the MPs to know how much money has been set aside for each sub-county and where funds are to be channeled.

"The board will enable MPs to identify priority projects in their constituencies since there will be no duplication," said Mulu.

The team also proposed in the amendment a clause on punishment to any person who obstructs the functions of the board. If passed, any person convicted of obstructing the board, would be fined Sh1 million or a jail term not exceeding one year or both.