Governors and senators meet on devolution

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Commission on the Implementation of Constitution (CIC) has organised a two-day retreat for governors and senators at the coast this weekend.

The CIC meeting brings together all governors and senators to deliberate on proposed amendments to various laws on devolution.

The meeting will take place at South Coast Leisure Lodge tomorrow and Saturday.

“We are going to meet with senators to discuss where we are interlinked,” Governors Summit chairman Isaac Ruto confirmed.

The meeting comes at a time when governors are pushing for amendment of the Constitution to among other things increase budgetary allocation to counties to at least 40 per cent of the national revenue. Currently, the law pegs it at not more than 15 per cent.

The county chiefs also say the amendments will strengthen Senate, which is the pillar of devolution.

MPs have intensified attacks on governors whom they accuse of spending all their time in seminars instead of working. URP MPs yesterday attacked the governors for demanding more cash instead of working with what they have been allocated.

“Devolution is not about putting money in the hands of the governors but service delivery,” National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso said.

Laboso defended the National Assembly on accusation of derailing devolution saying MPs are ready to support devolved units but cannot back allocation of funds to non-existent structures.

Senate has proposed a raft of amendments into various Acts of Parliament not only to strengthen it but address some of loopholes, which have caused friction between the two Chambers of Parliament.

Senate committee on devolution led by Kipchumba Murkomen is spearheading the process and will use the forum to discuss the proposed amendments.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar disclosed that a draft detailing the amendments had been prepared, but was quick to note it was still subject to further changes, as discussions with relevant bodies were ongoing.