Rarieda Member of Parliament (MP) Otiende Amollo has accused county governments of focusing on politically visible projects while failing to deliver essential services.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during debate on the Division of Revenue Bill, Amollo cited examples of health and sports facilities that are constructed but remain unequipped and underutilised.

“Many counties rush to build health facilities because that is easy politically. But they don’t supply drugs because that is expensive and not visible,” Amollo said. “They also rush to build sports facilities because they are visible, but don’t invest in equipment or tournaments.”

He said the trend reflects a growing gap in development priorities under the devolved system of government. The Rarieda MP also raised concerns over the exclusion of sports from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).

“Since the idea of sports was removed from CDF, none of us are now involved. You will realise there are no more sports tournaments. Talent development is slowly dying,” he told the House.

Amollo further addressed the working relationship among constitutional institutions, urging for coordinated efforts within legal frameworks, noting that the Constitution creates institutions that are independent but also interdependent.

“We must understand that even though the Constitution creates institutions that are independent, they are also interdependent. And that independence must not be taken to its illogical conclusion. We need not be antagonistic all the time; we can actually sit and discuss and agree,” Amollo added.

He also reminded MPs of the importance of being present ahead of a key vote on constitutional amendments expected next week. “It will be very unfortunate if we get to next week, when we are supposed to raise two-thirds, and we hear members are in their constituencies, abroad, or in other businesses. This is much more fundamental,” he added.

“In the context of all this is the question of NGCDF. And as Mr. Speaker directed, we are discussing this matter, especially the constitutional amendments, and then we go on recess. I would like to urge members at this point to plan for next week so that you are here.

“It will be a very unfortunate situation if we get to next week, when we are supposed to rate two-thirds, and then we hear some members are in their constituencies, abroad, in their offices, or in all sorts of other businesses that usually engage Members of Parliament, but this is much more fundamental,” he said.

Debate on the Division of Revenue Bill continues as the House prepares for recess.