Leaders from arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) led by Mandera Governor Ali Roba and Isiolo Woman Rep Rehema Jaldesa have accused the government of continued marginalization of the area.
Under the auspices of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and the Pastoralists Parliamentary Group (PPG), the leaders accused the national government of reintroducing an exclusionist approach to sharing of national resources.
The leaders who were speaking in Nairobi during a press brief noted that funds earmarked for the equalization meant for the ASAL Counties have not yet been released.
They further called for a review of the new revenue sharing formula adding that the counties stood to lose more than 10% of their potential gains.
Jaldesa noted that, the ASAL counties are generally disadvantaged on population because of the sparse distribution and using the population as the basic denominator further disadvantages the area.
“We find this formula to be very unfair to the ASAL counties. The parameters are very subjective and discriminatory. The CRA consultative draft does not really elaborate on what basis they have chosen these parameters while using population as a basic denominator.” She said.
She further cautioned leaders from other parts of the country against uttering inflammatory remarks aimed at the region and its leadership.
‘We have observed with much amazement worrying statements coming from some parts of this country that clearly shows that these so-called leaders are not acting in the spirit of building bridges and fostering national unity” added Jaldesa.
