This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
As the nation marks three months of inaction over the Division of Revenue Bill, the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly dire. The stalemate between the National Assembly and Senate has brought county operations to a grinding halt, with the Council of Governors issuing a stern warning to shut down county operations if the dispute is not resolved within the next few days.
Already, several counties have been crippled by workers' strikes over unpaid salaries, while suppliers and contractors have not been paid for months, causing grave financial distress to many people. The situation is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the power struggle between the two Houses of Parliament.
At the heart of the dispute is a paltry Sh20 billion, which could be easily harmonized through open discussion. However, the obsession with power struggles has led to a complete breakdown in communication, with the two Houses seemingly oblivious to the unfolding socio-economic and political upheaval at the counties.
As the clock ticks down, it is imperative that the two Houses put aside their differences and work towards a consensus. The fate of the devolution spirit, which is enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, hangs in the balance. Devolution has brought about remarkable infrastructure and social developments in counties, created business opportunities, and helped control rural-to-urban flight and decongest cities.
However, the counties have also become a theatre for greed, theft, pilferage, and waste, with large amounts of resources being appropriated by a few county leaders and their cronies. Corruption is rampant, and several governors have been charged in court over graft. Projects are undertaken in an haphazard manner, resulting in colossal wastage, and governors and top county officials indulge in lavish spending and ostentatious living at the expense of taxpayers.
It is imperative that the dispute is resolved urgently to avert the looming crisis at the counties. Citizens cannot suffer because parliamentarians cannot agree on allocations to counties.
