Despite the resistance by Deputy President William Ruto, the Council of Governors on Tuesday backed Raila Odinga’s proposal to create the third level of government which would act as a link between National and County governments.
Speaking during the Devolution Conference at Kirinyaga last month, Ruto accused Odinga of plotting to expand government through the creation of more positions that would technically affect the recurrent expenditures of the country.
But CoG chairman Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, has welcomed the move, saying that it would help counties pool resources to regional governments that would sustain large projects which cannot be sustained by the individual counties.
“Those arguing that we want a soft landing after our terms expire should know that it is not automatic that we will be elected. How sure are you that you will get these seats yet they are elective?” he posed.
The governor added that constitutional changes should be for posterity. “The three-tier system will strengthen devolution because it is not easy for small units like counties to engage a giant one like the national government,” Mr Oparanya said.
“We have devolved many functions but not the financial control,” Mr Oparanya said. “You still have to go to Nairobi to have things done and this will only be addressed by regional governments. We also need to devolve security and we need a bigger unit to deal with those issues.”
Oparanya said through the creation of regional governments, there will be no need to elect MCAs to the assemblies since formula can be put in place to have a specific number from member county assemblies nominated.
Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga also backed the proposal, arguing that counties, as presently constituted, cannot attract serious investments.
“We’ll enjoy economies of scale once regional governments are introduced,” Mr Rasanga said.
Odinga has been pushing for creation of regional governments, insisting that they will help counties to unleash their potentials. The ODM party is keen to have the question put in the impending referendum.