ODM spokesman Etale tears into Kiambu County Assembly employment law

Raila Odinga with ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale. [Photo: Courtesy]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Director of Communications has taken a swipe at Kiambu County Assembly after passing a law compelling firms in the devolved unit to employ 70 percent of locals.

According to Philip Etale, the law breaches the Constitution and propagates divisive politics.

“The motion passed by the County Assembly of Kiambu is UNCONSTITUTIONAL & DIVISIVE,” the ODM communications guru tweeted today Friday, December 15.

The motion, passed unanimously passed by 92 ward reps, requires companies that defying the law to be denied licences to operate in the county.

Ward reps said the law was passed to create employment for the local people.

Majority Leader Antony Ikonya said the move was in line with Article 65 (1) (e) of the County Government Act.

“I note with a lot of concern that Kiambu County has been generous … very generous to people who are from outside this county, to an extent that we do this at the expense of our very own.

“For people who come from outside, we provide infrastructure for them, we do roads, provide water for them and do all the requisite responsibilities of a county government for them but, as a county, we don’t benefit.  I think it is time we cured that disease,” Mr Ikonya said.