It is almost four months since the Jubilee government came to power. A key question the government has had to contend with is whether it is really committed to the full implementation of devolution as spelled out in the constitution.
While the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy has accused the Jubilee coalition of being averse to the realisation of full devolution, the government has insisted that devolution is top on its agenda and it has no plans of curtailing it.
Unfortunately, the government's assurances have done little to convince a good number of Kenyans that it is committed to devolution. Matters are not made any better by the fact that some key leaders elected on the Jubilee ticket have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's way of handling devolution.
What is, however, not in dispute is that Kenyans want to see devolution implemented to the letter. Anyone who is out to scuttle its implementation is clearly acting in a manner that is opposed to the wishes of the majority.
Recent meetings between Deputy President William Ruto and governors to affirm the government's support for devolution are most welcome but more needs to be done.
The hostility towards Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto for denouncing the government's alleged half-hearted support for devolution is unacceptable. The governor's stand undoubtedly resonates with the views of the majority of Kenyans.
The government should also come out and tell Kenyans why it is opposed to the governors' demand that at least 40 per cent of the total national revenue should be devolved to the counties.
True, the government may be having a genuine reason as to why it is not amenable to the idea of releasing more funds to the county governments. It should, however, come out and explain the reasons behind its stand.
But on the other hand, governors should justify their demand for more funds by putting the 32 per cent of the total national revenue that has already been released to counties to good use. At the end of the day, all that Kenyans want to see is full implementation of devolution and improvement of their standards of living.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Blessed are the young, for they will inherit the national debt." Herber Hoover, a former US President was born on August 10, 1874.
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