Three counties stake claim to KVDA operations

By Edwin Cheserek

Elected leaders of three counties took to task the management of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) to justify the incorporation of the agency into the devolved system of governance.

The proposal was brushed off during a consultative meeting on Monday  in Nairobi, between KVDA and governors and senators from Turkana, West Pokot, and Baringo counties over control of regional resources.

KVDA managing director David Kimosop had convened the forum to present its regional master plan to the leaders outlining potential resources available in its area of operations.

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo took to task the management of the lead agency over its role in the region in last 34 years of existence.

“The agency has over the years failed to initiate meaning and sustainable developments projects despite receiving adequate support from the communities and the central government,” he said.

Mr Kimosop had a difficult time outlining the agency’s position in the new dispensation saying their existence was feasible despite facing numerous challenges covering the country’s vast region.

restructure the agency

Lonyangapuo said the corporation had a bloated workforce with little capacity to implement its activities and called for its restructuring.

The idea, which was supported by the entire forum, could see the fate of more than 600 employees of the parastatal hung in the balance should KVDA be re-organised and placed under County Governments.

The director rooted for efforts by the leaders for joint resource mobilisation and exploitation even as the politicians demanded an equal share of assets and resources managed by the agency.

“The counties have crosscutting resources this is why we are agitating a coalition of counties in resources mobilisation and exploitation to the benefit of the people,” he suggested.

Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi supported the idea but insisted that KVDA needs to be restructured for maximum benefits of the counties.

Mr Cheboi said: “The agency should be re-aligned to the new dispensation in terms of capacity building and funding to achieve its goal of spearheading projects in our marginalised areas.”

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok added that the agency has failed to justify its existence and Senate might be asked to review its Act of Parliament to make it relevant and vibrant.

However, in a separate forum, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen says he plans to sponsor a Bill seeking to convert regional corporations into inter-county corporations to enhance devolution of resources.

He said the move to introduce the Bill was advised by the counties’ dynamics and expressed optimism that the Bill will get overwhelming support from concerned parties when tabled.

Murkomen, however, said the state corporations in the national government should be retained to serve the same purposes similar to those converted in the County Governments.