BY STEVE MKAWALE

President Kibaki has said funds for devolved system of government will be released to actualise the 47 counties.

Kibaki said the Government is committed to providing resources for devolved government as stipulated in Constitution.

This financial year, Treasury set aside Sh160 billion for devolved system of government. The money is to be used to purchase buildings to house governors and their teams, among other things.

The President was addressing Parliament during the official opening of the refurbished Chambers that cost taxpayers Sh950 million.

The President said the Chamber would greatly aid the legislative and representative roles of MPs.

“I commend the Speaker and Clerk of House as well as all those involved in this refurbishment for their good work. I also thank taxpayers for paying their taxes that enable us to undertake such projects,” said Kibaki amid applause from members.

He added the Government would work closely with Parliament to facilitate the next phase of modernising the House.

“This will include preparation of facilities necessary for Senate as well as increased staff numbers. We are committed to provide resources for the two-chamber system to function effectively. The Ministry of Finance will allocate the necessary funds for this endeavour,” the President said.

Kibaki challenged MPs who midwifed the new Constitution to seek re-election because the next Parliament will be an important pillar of Government

“Despite the new Constitution and devolution of responsibilities to 47 counties, the role of Parliament will not be diminished. The status and place of Parliament will remain paramount,” the President said.

Project lauded

The President added there were valuable lessons to be learnt from the initial devolution of funds to constituencies, through which Government has channelled over Sh100 billion in nine years.

Speaker Kenneth Marende highlighted the achievement of the tenth Parliament, saying he had good working relationship with the Executive.

Marende noted that a lot of business has been transacted in the House including successful passage of the Constitution because of close co-operation between Executive and legislature.

“I have personally had an excellent working relation with you, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and the Cabinet save for few altercations, which were isolated but we managed to resolve them,” said Marende.

The Speaker said his expectation is that Parliament shall all time remain on course and ensure a smooth transition to a new government in the run up, and after, the next election.

Marende announced that a similar refurbishment of the old Chambers that will be used by Senate would begin soon.

He said the project would include expansion of catering facilities and construction of a multipurpose office block that will constitute a parliamentary annex with offices for MPs and committee rooms.

Raila applauded the manner in which the project was executed.

In a speech by Lands minister James Orengo, Raila said the new Parliament should facilitate and expedite transactions of the House in well-known traditions of the best democracies in the world.