With the standoff between the national government and Counties taking centre stage, ANC party leader has defended Counties, saying the government should only seek to enhance devolution instead of killing it. The latest tussle has pitted the national and County governments in the Division of Revenue 2019 Bill, which seeks to address the issue of equitable share between the two levels of government. The Senate has maintained its stand on Kshs 335 billion while the National assembly wants the allocation to Counties to remain Kshs 316 billion.
The impasse has prompted criticisms from County bosses, with some alleging there are plans to kill devolution in the devolved units. Speaking in Makueni, Mudavadi expressed concern over the inadequate funding to Counties and acknowledged that discussions concerning constitutional changes are rife, but devolution shouldn’t be affected. “We can ask for one thing when it comes to devolution, do not deduct only enhance,” he said. Days ago, Kakamega Governor and Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said the Counties may be forced to shut down from September 16th if mediation talks to find a way forward in the division of revenue impasse aren’t successful.