Senators wants 60 per cent of the shareable billions of shillings disbursed by the National Treasury to County governments, be allocated to ward development fund to accelerate growth.
They raised concern that for development to be spread equitably across all the wards, there was urgent need for the residents at the lowest levels in the county to enjoy the fruits of devolution through allocation of 60 per cent for projects of their choice.
According to Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, the senators who termed the move as long overdue, said they would fight for the speedy implementation of ward development funds. This is to facilitate equity and fairness in terms of development across the wards in the 47 counties.
They were speaking at the five-day 8th devolution conference held at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu county.
Thang’wa said they would ensure equitable sharing of devolved monies through the county ward equitable development fund for the benefit of the people at the village levels.
The event which was attended by more than 10,000 participants among them local and international dignitaries, was officially opened by President William Ruto.
The senator assured members of the county assemblies that they will be in charge of 60 per cent of the sharable revenue disbursed to their respective wards, to undertake development projects.
According to Thang'wa, the county executive will retain 40 per cent of the monies to carry out flagship projects in the county.
“Out of the money disbursed to counties, the executive should be left with 40 per cent in the annual budges to undertake mega projects like construction of stadiums and hospitals. The remaining 60 per cent will go to the county wards for equity to be realised across the counties,” Thang’wa said.
The senator argued that the move will also ensure residents are given an opportunity to decide which development projects they want instead of being imposed with unviable projects by the executive.
Speaking at the venue, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruyiot warned MCAs against frequent threats of impeachment against their governors on malicious grounds, saying they will not encourage the trend going forward.
“Let me assure the MCAs that as the Leader of the Majority in the Senate, I will be very strict on issues to do with impeachment. You must come up with concrete evidence against your county bosses on matters related to misappropriation of county funds if you expect us to listen and act on your petition at the Senate,” Cheruiyot said.
He castigated some members of county assemblies for waging unnecessary wars against their county bosses, a move he attributed to slow pace of development in the regional government.
Cheruiyot, however, put the governors on notice saying they will be required to account for the billions of shillings they receive from the National Treasury, and that those who fail to do so, will face their wrath at the Senate.
