Governor Mvurya tells Parliament to support, protect devolution

Vice Chairman,Council of Governors and Chairman of 2nd Devolution Conference Steering Committee Salim Mvurya address Council of County Executives Conference 13/04/15 Nairobi [PHOTO/MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya has appealed to the National Assembly to support devolution and deal firmly with interference in county operations by the national government.

Speaking when he met the National Assembly's Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) in his Kwale office, Mvurya said counties were still facing numerous challenges that needed quick, clear and long-term solutions.

He said issues regarding roads, which are supposed to be devolved but remain under the national government, need to be tackled quickly.

"Citizens expect counties to tarmac roads to foster economic prosperity but this issue is still marred by uncertainty, with the national government and MPs seeking a lead role. As a result, we have experienced delays. Counties are now incurring costs by renovating these same roads that the national government have refused to devolve," he said.

Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, who led CIOC team, agreed that counties still faced numerous problems, especially in the face of citizens' enormous expectations.

"We have heard the challenges facing Kwale and some are similar to other counties, especially when it comes to mining laws. As the legislative arm of the Government, we are going to work on the recommendations and also try to help where possible," said Dr Eseli.