Governors meet to reflect on devolution journey

Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya (center) flanked by Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo (right), Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana (left) and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole lenku (second left) addressing the press during Council of Governor meeting at Sarova Woodland in Nakuru on July 25, 2019. [Harun Wathari/Standard]

Corruption, ballooning wage bills, delay in releasing funds, are among challenges hindering implementation of devolution, Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya has said.

Speaking in Nakuru yesterday during a conference to deliberate on the future of devolution, Mr Oparanya said devolution has largely proven a success given that some marginalised areas have been able to gain from development projects that were hitherto a mirage.

Oparanya who is also the Council of Governors (CoG) chairman, however, noted that county governments were failing particularly on accountability of public funds.

He said such failures risked having counties fall back on the gains that they have made, since devolution will start to lose support from the people.

“Going by my observations and media reports, devolution seems to be failing particularly on areas of accountability. Sometimes people are not sure who to hold accountable,” said Oparanya.

He added it is time counties take a step back and reflect on the questions people are raising on the value of devolution.

Commenting on Regional Economic Blocs, Oparanya said these blocs are facing frustrations chief among them being lack of funds since the Controller of Budget takes too long to release money.

He noted that for development to work, constant consultation will be needed between the national government and counties, and the revenue antagonism between the two authorities be brought to an end.

Addressing the same meeting, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said devolution is a good thing for the country and everyone must embrace it.

He said President Uhuru Kenyatta is unwavering in his support for counties.

Mr Wamalwa said despite the current noises on the Revenue Allocation Bill, 2019, the revenue allocated to counties by the national government has increased steadily over the years.

Lack of framework

According to Wamalwa, Devolution has faced various challenges including lack of a proper framework for intergovernmental planning, over reliance on the national government and an unsustainable wage bill.

He said it was time a solution was sort for such obstacles. County Assemblies Forum Chairperson Johnson Osoi said even as counties seek more funds, they are supposed to embrace accountability.