Treasury accused of meddling with devolved government resources

By Nicholas Anyuor and George Olwenya

Two cabinet ministers have accused Treasury and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta of meddling with the constitutional dispensation on matters of distributing government resources and finances equitably to the devolved governments.

Public Works Minister Chris Obure and his Lands counterpart James Orengo claimed Kenyatta and the Treasury were out to frustrate efforts to devolve resources to the Counties.

They said that government resources, including finances should be distributed equitably to the county governments as spelt in the constitution to boost development at the grassroots levels.

They faulted recent interpretation of the constitution by the Treasury and Finance Ministry that gave only funds from taxation to be allocated to the devolved government.

Orengo termed the move ‘day dreaming’ efforts aimed at bringing down the understanding and implementation of the new constitution for

self-interest.

"Money must come to the grassroots as a way of distributing of resources equally and whoever is against it is fighting the constitution of Kenya," he said.

They said that some of those opposed to equitable distribution of resources to the county governments have no record of change and do not want any change for the country.

"They don’t want change. But let them prepare for the change to roll over them if they can’t change," Lands Minister said.

According to Obure, for Kenya to have a difference in development, it is the county governments that have to be empowered financially and with other government resources for Kenyans to feel the power of the constitution they wanted.

"County government is the only thing to make a difference to in the life of ordinary Kenyan. It is the way to achieve development to the people. Spirit of constitution allows for the flow of funds," he said.

Crisis is looming between Treasury and Ministry of Local Government over whether resources, including grants should be shared equitably in the devolved governments.

Recently, a Task Force on Devolved Government led by Mutakha Kangu proposed that resources should be shared equitably at the devolved government level, however, the Treasury argues the National and County Governments should share only money from taxation.

"This should not be allowed to happen and it will not happen. The constitution talks of equitable distribution of resources and this must be followed," Orengo said.

They were speaking in Ukwala town in Ugenya district during the opening of Ugenya District headquarters where they also asked presidential aspirants to stop dividing Kenyans into tribal lines.

"Alliance such as the KKK should not be there. We want one Kenya and those opposed to this are out to divide the country," Obure said.