By Patrick Opondi
MIGORI, KENYA: County Governments have now begun their work, despite their teething problems. It is apparent there is conflict between the devolved Government and the powerful Central Government. Mandarins in the Provincial Administration are fighting to remain relevant.
While opening Parliament this week, President Uhuru spoke on the need to cut down on spending. As we enter into the devolution phase, we expected a diminished role of the Central Government in county affairs. Attempts to sneak back the old Provincial Administration, even under a new name, is therefore ill conceived and an unnecessary burden that will scuttle the birth of the new county administrations.
But as we celebrate county governments, it is apparent we have failed to address the inherent pitfalls that can be costly to taxpayers. Billions of taxpayers’ money is set to be pumped into the management of counties, away from the glare of the Central Government. How do we account for the billions and ensure they are channeled to their intended areas?
Without any form of opposition within the floor of the County Assembly and the lack of an eagle-eyed press, there is reason to believe County Governments may institute weak audit mechanisms to control the excesses of the Executive. What checks and balances will county governors and their teams institute to manage and audit the use of public funds to avoid blatant misuse? After all, they are humans, with egos and pressing demands to meet.
Lack of a powerful oversight (County Assembly) may itself help in the creation of an imperial governor, one who is worshiped, powerful and abusive. Most County Governments, thanks to political zoning of this country, lack opposition members within their ranks. It is a situation that can be exploited by powerful officials to work against the people.
A powerful and unfriendly Government can be reflected in the appointment of public officials, opaqueness in dealing with its citizens, lack of mechanisms to manage public funds and ill-conceived projects that involve huge spending. I urge both the young and the old to be vigilant, to act as the eyes of the taxpayers. Vigilance is not opposition, and not empty rhetoric, but an added value to accountability and transparency.
The hue and cry occasioned by inept leadership of the former local Government political leadership must not be transferred and entertained within the new Government.
