The member of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee and former Kanduyi MP Alfred Khang’ati has said sufficient resources must be channeled to the marginalized areas and Counties for development to be realized on a countrywide scale. Speaking on the contentious revenue allocation debate during an interview on West FM’s Crossfire on Sunday night, Khang’ati said it isn’t beneficial when more resources are distributed to the most populous Counties if the whole country is to develop.
The proposed Third Basis of Revenue Allocation, which is key in the enactment of the Division of Revenue Bill, has become a source of serious debate in the Senate, owing to its major parameter used to allocate funds being population, meaning the most populous Counties stand to gain in this financial year funds disbursement, with others set to lose, mostly in the North Eastern and Coast regions. However, amendments have been presented to ensure there is a win-win for all Counties, those gaining and those losing, with the Senate set for another session to debate on Tuesday. “If we want in future Counties like Turkana to change, and to do away with the mentality of living and pinning ourselves in the same Counties, then they must get resources,” he said, insisting it’s his personal stand.
He pointed out that the issue of development must be catered for in order for there to be equalization, adding that people always follow development and that places that are less development can’t attract investors. He said devolution was brought to help this, “Devolution was about sharing of resources, to ensure they reach every Kenyan. Unfortunately, people don’t understand the responsibility they have been given.” He said a further delay in sorting out the impasse means Treasury will not release County funds on time, and County workers and those under devolved functions will suffer.