Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Tharaka Nithi Senator Prof Kithure Kindiki have called for constitutional change to give counties increased funding and freedom.
Speaking as a panelist during the National discourse on Constitutional change at the ongoing devolution conference in Kirinyaga, Governor Murungi called for an increase in the county allocations to atleast forty percent adding that bureaucracy by the National Treasury was an impediment to Devolution.
“Any changes to the Constitution must seek to strengthen devolution and abolish the current bureaucracy in channeling development funds from the exchequer.” Governor Murungi said.
The Governor added that the Country needs to reduce the powers of the president while at the same time creating the post of Prime minister with two deputies for peace to prevail in the country.
Senator Kindiki on his part noted that funds channeled to counties are inadequate to initiate any meaningful development and called for constitutional reforms aimed at increasing funding to counties.
The Senator called for inclusivity in governance and valuing the role played by women noting that male presidential candidates should be required to name female running mates and vice versa.
“The money that is going to counties cannot help counties to realize any meaningful development. I look forward to the day when we will force presidential candidates if it is a man to name a female running mate and vice versa” Prof Kindiki said.
