Senators Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Dan Mwazo blast MPs over Equalisation Fund delay

Two Senators have renewed criticism of the National Assembly accusing it of frustrating devolution.

Senator Dan Mwazo and his Makueni counterpart Mutula Kilonzo Junior accused MPs of failing to pass laws that would help enforce the Equalisation fund.

The Senators noted that county's economic growth had badly been affected by the delay in releasing the funds from Treasury.

"MPs are currently controlling all the devolved funds like CDF and Uwezo, among other devolved funds. They also want to take away Equalisation funds from the county governments. We will not allow this to happen," warned Mwazo.

"There are leaders who think that they can abolish the Senate by rendering it ineffective. Such leaders should know that devolution is there to stay. We will do everything possible to protect devolution and the constitution at all cost," said the former Cabinet Minister.

Mutula Junior declared devolution in the country as a revolution.

"We will not accept counties to go back to Nairobi and beg for funds. We are ready  for court battles if they try to reverse the process of devolution," he said.

Mutula said devolution was not benefiting counties as expected because most of its assets and natural resources are still under the central government.

FUNDING ARREARS

"That is why we are pushing for the referendum to ensure that more resources are allocated to counties for rural development," he said.

The Senators made the remarks during a special session at the Taita-Taveta County Assembly in Wundanyi town, under the invitation of Governor John Mruttu.

Mr Mruttu said Taita Taveta was among counties that are yet to receive their share of Equalisation funds, amounting to about Sh1 billion.

He said the amount had accumulated since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, resulting in the slow pace of development.

"The county is faced with challenges of growth, poor education, high levels of unemployment and absolute poverty. Key sectors of economy like agriculture, livestock, tourism and mining, that should be driving the economy are under-performing," he noted.

FREE LAND

The governor said unpredictable flow of funds from the National Treasury is a major concern to his administration, as it makes planning of development projects very difficult.

Mwazo challenged the county administration to give out free land for investment.

"There is enough idle land between Ndara and Bachuma that can be set aside for an industrial park and create wealth for the poor," said Mwazo.

He called for the harnessing of water from Mzima springs for irrigation.