Jubilee frustrating devolution, Khalwale

A section of Senators have accused the Jubilee administration of failing to let-go devolved functions.

Led by the Kakamega Senator Dr Bonny Khalwale, the Senators say that the government should allow county governments to run the devolved functions without any interference.

Khalwale argues that the national government has been frustrating efforts by the governors to effectively manage devolved functions among them health and infrastructure.

He further called for devolving of more functions including Education “in order to allow people at the grassroots to enjoy the fruits of devolution”.

Khalwale, who led the Senators to a tour of Lamu, said that they will push for full devolution of sectors by the national government by end of the year.

Assisting victims of Mpeketoni

The Senators further want the national government to consult with the county governments before rolling out any programmes such as the contested leasing of medical equipment for county hospitals.

“Despite county governments being faced by a few challenges here and there, the national government should not continue holding on devolved functions,” said Mr Khalwale.

“The national government should also set aside a special fund for the counties for disaster response and management.”

He also accused the national government of failing to assist the victims of Mpeketoni terror attack to settle two years later.

On his part, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy called on leaders not to politicize the devolution agenda saying that this would lead to more confusion at both the national and county levels.

He also called on the Senate to push for more funds for the counties to help move the development agenda forward.