Governors open new battlefront with push for national referendum

By Geoffrey Mosoku

Kenya: Kenya may have its first referendum to change the Constitution enacted three years ago soon if governors have their way.

The governors, who were meeting in Mombasa last week, resolved to push for amendment of the Constitution to among other things raise revenue allocated to counties to at least 40 per cent. Currently, the law says allocation should not be less than 15 per cent.

“To enable speedy development, we will start the process for a national referendum to amend the relevant article of the Constitution,” a statement from the Council of Governors said, adding that the move is also aimed at strengthening the role of the Senate.

The governors argue that the Sh210 billion allocated to them this fiscal year is not enough to provide services to the electorate.

“There are a lot of funds left at the national level yet major services in agriculture, health and roads sectors have been devolved. The Sh210 billion is not enough to deliver these services,” Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said.

In a statement issued after the Mombasa retreat, the governors said they will be holding a series of rallies to convince voters on why the law must be changed with the first major rally slated for August 31.

The governors are also demanding control of all devolved funds, including women and youth cash, which are currently in the control of MPs.

“All devolved monies to youth and women should come through the county government for efficient management to enhance job creation and development. The management of the funds will be headed by women and youth leaders,” the statement added.

This plan, however, is likely to open a new battle between governors and MPs, who only a few days ago discussed the conduct of the county bosses.

The MPs accused governors of greed and misplaced priorities in their budgetary allocation, with some angry legislators terming the county bosses warlords.

Laugh off

Sunday, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka dared the governors to start campaigns for the referendum, which he warned will fail.

He said MPs will be vigilant to ensure Kenyans have value for their money, adding the public wants to see first where and how their funds will be spent.

Onyonka laughed off at demands for more funds to the devolved units saying the National Assembly will not sit and watch as the county heads behave like their Nigerian counterparts, who buy luxurious jets and open accounts in Europe and Cayman islands, to stash stolen funds.

“Why the rush to demand for more funds when they have not convinced us that there are proper structures to ensure proper utilisation of Sh210 billion given to them?” he queried.

Legislators are wondering why governors were also demanding for disbandment of Transitional Authority, with Onyonka and Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege accusing them of seeking to serve their own interests.

“The Constitution provides a three-year period for transition. We are wondering why they are rushing to demand for more funds when they have not been gauged on their performance from what they have been allocated,” Ms Chege said.

Chege, who is also chair of House Education committee, said the country was in election recently and does not need to go back there soon. “Why would governors take us back to campaigns as they serve selfish interests? We must be given room to concentrate on development,” she added.

Today, Senate Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights will meet Council of Governors to discuss the proposed amendments.

Stick to budget

The committee chaired by Busia’s Amos Wako will tomorrow meet Commission on Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) and later Senate ad hoc committee spearheading the proposed amendments to draw a road map and agree on clauses of the Constitution and other legislations that they want amended.

Meanwhile, County assemblies have been asked to scrutinise governor’s budgets to ensure allocation of funds is prudent. Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura said county assemblies should safeguard public funds from being spent in lavish expeditions by governors.

Kembi, who was speaking in Murang’a during a Rotary Club dinner, said county assemblies must play oversight role and bar Executive from indulging in excesses.

“The assemblies should ensure the Executive sticks to the budget and have interest in development programmes,” said the Senate Deputy Speaker. “Some of the governors allocated more money in travelling, building of lavish residences and entertainment at the expense of development,” said the Murang’a County Senator.

– Additional reporting by Boniface Gikandi.