Mount Kenya governors have reignited efforts to advocate for the one-man, one-vote, one-shilling campaign, as the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) initiates the process of gathering public opinion on the 4th revenue sharing formula.
In a roundtable discussion with CRA commissioners held in Nairobi, the governors emphasized the necessity of a formula that reflects the region’s significant contribution to production.
The said that the previous three formulas have disproportionately disadvantaged the region, and they are steadfast in their commitment to securing a fair allocation mechanism.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga urgeed CRA to prioritize resource allocation based on economic contribution. He also highlighted the importance of recognizing each region’s economic input.
“We are 47 counties and it is pointless to start speaking about sharing when any of those counties is not working. Let us review what is the basic share for every county to be operational regardless of whether Lamu has 110,000 people, Nyeri has 1 million people and Kiambu has 3 million,” he said.
“I have been a governor for two terms and the minimum you need for a county to be operational is Ksh. 7 billion.”
Central Region Economic Bloc (CEREB) chairperson also advocated for the adoption of a baseline shareable revenue amount dedicated primarily to county operations, before considering other parameters.
The chair (CEREB) stated that it was important to ensure that counties have adequate resources for essential functions, urging for a strategic approach to revenue allocation during discussion on fiscal policy.
“Devolution is here to stay and I would urge you not to continue giving counties which have already developed more money… instead let us uplift those which are crippled,” Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisraeli, said.
The Commission on Revenue Allocation has announced plans to gather input from various economic blocs to inform the development of the 4th generation revenue sharing formula.
