By JOHN NANDWA
In light of extravagant allocations contained in the released county budgets, one could conclude county bosses have adopted the mantra of spend first, ask questions later. Little surprise then that the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Chairman, Micah Cheserem recently suggested that county assemblies be taught the difference between millions and billions.
If Mr Cheserem’s suggestion was meant to be a joke then it is a masterpiece of dry wit, the kind of cynical humour that gets right to the point. Yet the chairman of the CRA was not exaggerating with his appraisal of the way the assemblies have gone about outlining their expenditure.
One county for instance, has reportedly set aside a budget proposal of Sh 72 million worth of luxury vehicles. Not to be outdone are those who have seen it prudent to prioritise millions more on entertainment rather than facilitating basic development at the grassroots.
Indeed, when you look at some of the budgets bought forward by various devolved units, a common theme runs through. Priority has been given to the allocation of luxury vehicles, sprucing up of governors’ offices and chambers for county assembly representatives and luxury projects like gyms.
While it’s understandable that the county structure is thin on the ground and the need for vehicles and offices to facilitate the operation of devolved governments, it is reasonable to wonder if the devolution agenda will survive such lavish spending.
The Controller of Budget has equally raised concerns when the spending plans were revealed joining cynics wondering whether Kenyans will ever realise the good tidings that devolution portends.
If all the lofty campaign promises are to be fulfilled, a good start with prudent and development focused revenue allocations was necessary. Will the counties find their feet after such a false –start? It is easy to see why some people remain pessimistic.
Indeed, not everyone is as gifted as Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt who can make 100 mistakes between the starting block and the finish line and still win the race. The same could not be said of state offices who according to the Controller of Budget must curb their spending instincts. When resources are used for luxury at the expense of urgent provision of roads, clean water, hospitals and other key facilities, the unmistakable conclusion is that we have our priorities backwards.
