Peter Munya: I'm ready to lead governors

Meru County Governor Peter Munya.

Meru County Governor Peter Munya has said he is ready to serve as the Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), if elected by his colleagues.

Munya said he believes he has the required skills to steer the CoG and ensure that devolution is entrenched in county governance.

Speaking in his office, Munya said an effective leadership is needed to propagate development in counties, even as the CoG is involved in tussles with political forces believed to be fighting devolution.

"If I am elected, I would be at the forefront in pushing devolution agenda. Like I have been saying all along, the national government has withheld monies that are supposed to be given to counties. I would continue pushing for the funds to be brought to the counties so that we can realise development for our people," said Munya.

Munya (pictured) said he was  not afraid of forces out to scuttle devolution. He castigated Parliament for initiating a campaign against counties.

"The National Assembly has passed 23 Bills, all attempting to take away functions from counties back to the national government. There are forces at the national level who were comfortable with a centralised system, and want to take us back there. We and all Kenyans will resist that," Munya said.

He said he is a defender of devolution, and will resist attempts to deny counties much needed development monies.

"Water is a devolved function, but part of funds meant for water are still withheld. The national government is still sinking boreholes and constructing water pans," he observed.

He said water bodies like Tana and Athi Water Services should be disbanded to avoid duplication of services.

"A lot of money is being lost because of duplication of services. A lot of white elephants are being created," he said adding it was important to clear the air as to which roads are classified as national and rural.