Murkomen tells governors to find solutions to issues

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen

Senator Kipchumba Murkomen wants county governments to develop local mechanisms to solve challenges facing them.

The Elgeyo Marakwet senator wants the local governments to first explore available options of solving problems at the counties before escalating the same to the national level.

Mr Murkomen said challenges at the counties were inevitable and solution mechanism should be within the county structures.

Citing wrangles among leaders at the county level, Murkomen said the leadership difference should not be taken as a matter of national interest when it can be resolved locally to avoid diverting attention of the country.

“Some of the challenges affecting the counties at the moment can best be resolved at the county level than at the national stage to avoid waste of time, which would rather be used in enhancing development of the regions,” Murkomen said.

He added: “Challenges at the counties revolve around accountability and the only way out is to talk and be inclusive in development decision to avoid breaking the unity of the people and new systems that is still nascent.”

In a move seen as an attempt to protect governors from continuous witch-hunt from some leaders at the counties, Murkomen said the Senate is committed to protecting devolution to ensure its prosperity.

“We as the Senate have decided that we shall safeguard and protect our counties. We do not want leaders to rush into disbanding just on mere tribal grounds. We believe that counties are the hubs that can help change the lives of our people and we shall fully support them,” he said.

Speaking at Tagitech in Transmara East, Narok County, during the funeral of renowned Kalenjin musician Samwel Sang, alias Junior Kotestes, the Elgeiyo Marakwet senator said: “I do not believe the counties have reached the state where they should be dissolved and that is why we are saying leaders should sit down and discuss their issues as counties.”