Senators push for ward kitty to spur growth in counties
By Winstone.Chiseremi, August 18, 2023Senators want 60 per cent of the sharable billions of shillings disbursed by the National Treasury to county governments to be allocated to ward development funds to accelerate development to the smallest units of devolution.
They reiterated that for development to be spread equitably across all the wards, there was an urgent need for the residents at the grassroots to enjoy the fruits of devolution through the allocation of funds for projects of their choice.
Led by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, they termed the move long overdue saying that they will fight for speedy implementation of ward development funds to facilitate equity and fairness in all the 47 counties.
They were speaking at the Devolution Conference that is being held at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. Thang’wa stated that they will ensure equitable sharing of devolved monies to the wards through the county ward equitable development fund for the benefit of the people at the village level.
Unviable projects
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 projects.
According to Thang’wa, the county executive will retain 40 per cent of the monies to carry out flagship projects in the county.
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.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot warned MCAs against frequent impeachment threats against their governors over flimsy grounds saying that they will not allow 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 misappropriation of county funds issues if you expect us to listen and act on your petition at the Senate,” said Cheruiyot.