What to look for when electing MCAs in 2017

It has been four years since the advent of devolution in Kenya. There have been major milestones as well as failures but generally, a good lesson has been learnt, paving the way for a future laden with optimism.

For the first time in Kenya’s history, counties are running their affairs as semi-autonomous administrations, complete with an elected government and a county assembly. This regional parliament is the most important institution in the devolved system. It is independent of the county government as it controls its budget and other affairs.

MCAs are critical in governance as they are the people’s representatives. With counties getting billions in allocations every financial year, the duty of ensuring prudent use funds falls with MCAs. There is need, therefore, to ensure election of competent and morally upright individuals.

Some of the individuals for this position are lured by a big salary, cheap car and house loans and generally an opportunity to get rich fast. By now the electorate must be fully cognisant of the folly of electing just “anybody” as MCA.

Anyone seeking this post must meet all the qualities required in filling any public office. All said and done, it will be of utmost folly to elect a leader based on blind political ethnic party-based loyalty. The last four years have been a great lesson for the electorate. We must not fail in the 2017 polls as this will mean five years of missed development opportunities.