Kenyans embracing and accepting devolution has helped to improve their lives in many ways according to Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma. Ranguma said devolution has helped tackle hunger, health issues and ignorance among many Kenyans at the grassroots.
“For the past three and a half years, many lives and infrastructure have been improved for the benefit of Kenyans,” said Ranguma. Ranguma was speaking during the handing over of devolution torch to Vihiga County at Former Municipal grounds in Mbale town.
He said the torch is meant to celebrate the success of devolution and will be handed over to Kakamega on 3rd this month before proceeding to Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties.
He noted that South Africa and Nigeria had allocated about 48% and 50% respectively of the total country’s income to devolved units and alleged that a paltry 15% has been allocated to the devolved units in Kenya.
“We proposed that counties be allocated 45% of the total revenue but this has not yet become a reality. All is not lost but we will soldier on,” added Ranguma.
He said the current Governors had faced many challenges adopting devolution as a new system of governance but they are now on track improving and initiating projects that would improve the livelihoods of people.
He said devolution had resonated well with the people by enabling them to identify and participate in the said projects.
Ranguma said as the Council of governor’s health committee chairman, he will strive to ensure that health is fully devolved.
“We want the National Government to fully devolved health to ensure that provision of health services is improved at the grassroots,” said Ranguma.
The Kisumu Governor who handed over the torch to host Moses Akaranga endorsed him for the second term and urged the locals to vote him due to his exemplary performance.