- Natembeya said it was also possible for the national government to increase funding for counties beyond the minimum amount currently required by law.
- He noted that the law does not restrict the CRA from allocating more than the minimum to the counties.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has asked the national government to devolve all resources meant for counties so that devolution can be more effective to unlock growth.
Natembeya said it was only through full and effective devolution of resources that Kenya would to eliminate poverty, disease and illiteracy among other economic challenges.
He said it was also possible for the national government to increase funding for counties beyond the minimum required by law.
The governor expressed regret that despite the devolution of important services to counties, the national government, through the Commission on Revenue Allocation, has been providing minimal funding.
“We need to move to counties all the money for devolved functions and the CRA can also go beyond limits and give counties more allocation because there is nothing in law that can stop such a move,” Natembeya said.
He noted that the law does not restrict the CRA from allocating more than the minimum to the counties.
He made the remarks at a town hall meeting in Kitale during a session with trade and cooperatives committee members from Busia county assembly who were visiting Trans Nzoia for benchmarking.
He said devolution had already helped transform lives but much more could be achieved through smooth and extra funding of counties.
"Many important responsibilities that directly impact people's lives have been devolved. However, the resources allocated for these functions are limited. There should be concerted efforts and goodwill to increase the funding," the governor said.
He added that more development would be realised if the funding to counties was increased.
Natembeya said despite receiving limited resources, his administration has made significant strides in initiating major development projects .
The governor said his administration has ensured uniform allocation of Sh25 million per ward regardless of political affiliations of residents so that the people of Trans Nzoia can all feel the benefits of devolution.
He added that, his government has prioritised improving livelihoods by funding vulnerable communities through the Nawiri Fund and offering them tenders upon receiving the funds.
"This move will truly empower our people. The essence of leadership is to improve livelihoods and that is what I am doing," the governor said.
The Busia Assembly members were led by chairman Bonaventure Makokha, while the Trans Nzoia delegation was led by Tuwan MCA Francis Were. They pledged to exchange ideas on how best to strengthen devolution.