Nairobi: The National Government has reiterated its dedication to fully implementing devolution to ensure that services are brought closer to the people. Speaking at Sabata in Trans Nzoia County during the burial of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Wafula Chebukati, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized that the government would continue to implement measures to support devolved units.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mudavadi stated that the Kenya Kwanza Administration aims to be remembered as the first administration to allocate more resources to counties. He urged for calm and cooperation from devolved units as the government enhances the disbursement of resources.
The declaration comes in the wake of concerns raised by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who accused the National Government of deliberately trying to undermine devolution. Natembeya, in his speech during the burial, criticized the government for frequent delays in releasing funds to counties, suggesting it was an effort to weaken devolution.
Natembeya also challenged the National Government to clarify the ongoing conflict between governors and the National Assembly regarding the management of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.
Mudavadi addressed the issue by suggesting that the tussle over the levy was indicative of a positive drive towards service delivery. He noted that both governors and MPs are elected by the people and are under pressure to deliver, which he deemed beneficial for service provision.
Despite the ongoing court cases, Mudavadi assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue promptly, ensuring public access to services. "I would like to assure you that soon this issue will be addressed and Kenyans will start to get the much-coveted services. As a government, we have deliberate efforts to strengthen devolution," he affirmed.