Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has submitted a raft of changes they want to be addressed by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) steering committee.
In their new recommendations, ODM has set the following demands for consideration.
Change of DCI
ODM has proposed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) be divorced from the National Police Service and be set aside as an independent body.
The new DCI, according to ODM, should be renamed Bureau of Criminal Investigations, National Criminal Investigations Services or any other name as shall be suggested by relevant authorities.
MCAs Just as Powerful as MPs
ODM has proposed that Members of County Assembly be accorded similar powers just as the Members of Parliament.
In the new arrangement envisaged in their recommendations, 30 per cent of all the County Government budget should go to the wards.
Today we submitted our proposals on BBI to the BBI Steering Committee at the KICC. The party proposes among other things the creation of PM’s position to be leader of govt biz in parliament, a 7-yr tax holiday for the youth, 35% allocation of funds to counties etc pic.twitter.com/wjcb4SA8C7
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) February 26, 2020
Regional Economic Blocs (REBs)
ODM has suggested the creation of Regional Economic Blocs with the view of coordinating inter-County cooperation in the respective regions.
This comes hot on the heels of a major debate about ODM’s plan to create a soft landing for their second-term Governors.
More Money for Development
ODM has proposed that at least 70 per cent of the total National budget directly goes towards Development projects, with only 30 per cent for recurrent expenditure.
However, the Party noted that this could not be achieved instantly and that it should be implemented progressively.
Collapse Redundant Parastatals
ODM also wants all the national parastatals whose functions are covered by Counties to be dissolved.
This is seen as a further measure to reduce the huge wage bill that threatens to stifle development projects.
35 Per Cent to Counties
The party has also proposed an allocation of at least 35 per cent of National Government budget to be chanelled to the 47 Counties.
Creation of Prime Ministers Post
ODM has strongly supported the creation of a Powerful Prime Minister to be at the centre of conducting Government business.
The Prime Minister will be appointed by the President from the majority party in Parliament.
IEBC Reforms
ODM has suggested a bucketload of changes at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Key among the recommendations is that political parties in Parliament be allowed to recommend IEBC commissioners to be appointed by the President.
County Police
To address the challenge of insecurity, ODM has suggested the creation of County Police Service.
The security council will be chaired by the Governors of the respective Counties.
7-Year Tax Holiday
ODM has also suggested that the Government provides a tax holiday for the youth who are venturing into business.
Kindly visit our website https://t.co/YcI3NH1hoH for the full text of the proposals as submitted to the BBI Steering Committee by Chairman @MbadiHon and SG @edwinsifuna
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) February 26, 2020