Tough run on delivering promises in the Kenya Kwanza regime

The 2010 constitution provided a balance of powers and responsibilities from national government to the fourty seven county governments to bring services closer to the people and create a platform from which women, marginalized community and minority could participate in decision making.

Some of this have been made possible under Kenya kwanza government while others remains only on paper work. Gender equality in the county level has been a problem to be solved, this gives the current regime a tough time to run on its agenda through the devolved counties.

The fight for numbers have also been brought on board as a factor to measure how governors deliver their services.

“After devolution, citizens have the ability to participate in government issues such as making the county and state budgets and  Involvement in developments”.

Philip wanyonyi Wekesa.

The most endowed achievment between the Jubilee government and the Kenya kwanza government is  Being in the Frontline in the legislation of the county government and fore seeing that it has been achieved, also in making laws that enable the county to execute it’s mandate effectively Approval of budget and expenditure of the county government, cities and urban areas act.

As the Kenya kwanza government strive to achieve the purpose of devolution this has shortcomings. The underpayment of members of county assembly  creates unbalanced ideas in some leaders which forces them to use other means to deliver their promises to the public.”

In  the incumbent government, the ward representatives used to get a salary of about three hundred thousand shillings, in this government the money of the ward representative has been reduced and  Now he is paid a salary of one hundred and forty thousand shillings. If you compare him with their duties, the pay is very low because the ward representative is close to the citizen, he is the one who performs the duties that help the citizen such as education, health issues, road issues and also agricultural matters.” Philip wanyonyi Wekesa.

 Some governors have been found it difficult to pass the county budget due to the pressure of politics in the country between the numbers of Kenya kwanza leaders and that of  opposition Led by former prime minister Raila Odinga. 

The legislation of ward representatives has now shifted to political stands, creating barriers to effective deliverance of any government promises. 8 months in office deputy governor of siaya county was found in a hot spot after the motion by mcas to impeach him from the office then afterwards the Senate protected him. When such stands occures the devolution in return looses it’s purpose.

“According to the work that they are doing here in the grassroots, they are the ones who pass the budget, to check the performance of the governor and the ministers who are available in the grassroots and what the  government is implementing in  the development plan.” Philip wanyonyi Wekesa.

Almost a year  of Kenya kwanza government, complains have been raised under high cost of living being experienced in the entire nation, this  is almost the same with the  former president Uhuru Kenyatta during campaign when he was almost leaving the office.

The contraversial BBI that was raised by president uhuru was one of the major challages he faced while in office. 

On the other hand Ruto has also hitted not more that once on the finance act 2023/2024 after cases were filed against him led by busia senetor Okiya Omtata.

“First of all, even the constitution does not allow to choose even the twenty three cabinet assistance secretaries . What retired President Uhuru Kenyata did was against the constitution. Almost everything that Kenya kwanza is doing  is illigal. Even the finance act was stopped because it was  against the constitution. I am also against the appointment of the cabinet assistance secretary  because court has also opposed and giving rule as unconstitution.” Jotham Anzia.

Still there is time for president William Ruto to protect the devolved government since he has not even finished a year in the office. Kenyans expect more from him as he trys to execute his promises he made during campaign.

 Devolved government from Kenya kwanza government will bring hope if the pressure of politics will be controlled and every member of county assembly focuses on development of his or her ward.

The devolved government can achieve it’s goals through participation of all stakeholders to pave way for development

 (Story by Evans Ahao)