Back devolution, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya tells MPs

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya addresses the Press after a two-day closed door meeting between MPs and the executive where they called for allocation of more funds, saying what they receive is not enough. [PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/STANDARD]

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has asked MPs from the county to push the Government into allocating more funds to counties.

He also asked them to support devolution by passing laws that do not undermine realisation of devolution dreams.

Addressing the MPs and executive members at a Naivasha hotel, Mr Oparanya asked the leaders to unite and work together regardless of party affiliations for the county's development sake.

"If we look at allocation of funds, Kakamega is being given a raw deal. This is the largest rural county and Government needs to increase its allocation to help us realise our development plans.

MORE FUNDS

MPs from this county should push for additional funding," Oparanya said.

He said there is need for the county government to share development and progressive reports with the legislators to ensure a smooth and mutual working relationship.

"We recognise our political diversity but we should unite for the purpose of service delivery as we serve residents. We should avoid retrogressive competition," he said.

The participants also agreed to share information on development projects to avoid duplication of projects which leads to wastage of public resources.

"We will unreservedly support efforts to strengthen and protect devolution by sharing development information. We have agreed to support efforts to increase revenue allocations to the county and strengthen devolution," Oparanya said.

The meeting is now an annual event organised by county executive where they meet with elected leaders to discuss development projects and challenges facing the county.

GOOD MOVE

The move was lauded by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe who said such a meeting makes it possible for all county leaders to be involved in governance.

"The meeting helps leaders understand the county's development progress. I ask the county executive to organise even more such meetings where leaders can discuss progress and challenges facing the county," he said.

Wangwe pledged that MPs will initiate legislative approaches to support and guard devolution.

He said the meeting provided a platform for county leaders to review their past year performance and also discuss the 2015/2016 budget.

"Leadership is not meant for one person, input from other leaders is very vital," he said.