You cannnot merge our county councils

MUDAVADI BILL

JANUARY 7, 2010

BY EUGENE OMILO

Civic leaders at the Coast are divided over a bill published by Local government minister Musalia Mudavadi that proposes to have county council authorities merged.

Whereas some leaders praised the move, others expressed their sceptism on the practicability of such a move.

The bill which was published on Wednesday proposes that the 175 local authorities be merged to have 47 more efficient ones.

Kwale county council chairman Mshenga Ruga said the proposal to merge county councils should be looked into closely as similar moves to merge regional water boards flopped because the Water ministry had not consulted all stakeholders.

“Iam not opposed to the idea but I think the minister should be cautious in the way the merging process will be done. Local residents and their leaders should be consulted,” said Ruga.

His Malindi counterpart Elina Mbaru said she was opposed to the merging idea because it will result in more failure to deliver services.

“The authorities should be made leaner and given sizeable geographical jurisdiction to serve their people well,” said Mbaru adding that larger authorities might not be the solution to bringing efficiency.

However, Kilifi county council chairman Anthony Kingi said he supports the minister’s move to merge the authorities because it will strengthen their financial base by pooling together revenue.

“Some Town councils can barely pay their workers and cannot give essential services. They would be better off if incorporated into their respective county councils,” said Kingi.

On whether mayors of major cities and towns be degree holders, Kingi said it was a conspiracy by a section of Mayors to sideline others.

“The issue elicited sharp debate during a previous ALGAK meeting and I remember we had agreed that it wasn’t necessary to be particular in the exact level of education as long as one has basic education and is capable,” said Kingi.

The leaders supported direct election of Mayors and local authority chairmen saying voters have a right to choose their own leaders. 

But CCU chairman Maur Bwanamaka said he does not understand how the minister’s bill is publishing the bill at a time when the draft constitution is being prepared.

“The minister should have left what Kenyans will have resolved concerning the local authorities be passed in the new constitution since they were extensively mentioned in the constitutional debate.” he said.

ENDS,.