Former MCAs have called on the national treasury to increase funding to the counties in order to enable them meet their financial obligations and functions.
Under the umbrella of the Kenya Former MCA’s Association Forum, the former MCA’s said currently the counties are underfunded owing to the many functions they perform at the grassroot level.
The Kenya Former MCA’s Association Forum chairman and former Ntima West MCA Martin Mworia aka “Kiongozi” said
the current allocation of 15 percent is insufficient and called for an increase of up to 40 percent in order to ensure the funds are utilized meaningfully in addressing the suffering in the counties.
He said this is the best way of ensuring that devolution works failure to which many vital services might grid to a halt.
“Devolution must succeed, or we risk losing crucial functions such as health and agriculture back to the National Government.
We must advocate for an increase in funding to the counties. The current allocation of 15 percent is insufficient. We need to push for a 40 percent allocation to ensure the funds are utilized meaningfully to address the suffering in our counties instead of being concentrated at Afya House,” said the Chairman.
He said the association is preparing to introduce a referendum bill aimed at returning key functions to the national government if devolution is not taken seriously.
Speaking to the media in Meru town, Mworia lauded Meru senator Kathuri Murungi for introducing the landmark County Financial Autonomy Bill which will grant counties more independence and direct access to financial allocations from the exchequer.
He said for devolution to thrive, it must be adequately supported by funds from the exchequer.
“As the primary custodians of devolution, the Senate must not only provide funds but also ensure proper oversight across both the legislative and executive branches. We seek effective mechanisms to ensure that county funds are utilized properly, demonstrating positive outcomes for communities.
I laud Meru senator Kathuri Murungi for introducing the landmark County Financial Autonomy Bill which will grant counties more independence and direct access to financial allocations from the exchequer,” said Mworia.
He said the MCA’s just like their MP counterparts should be getting a Ward Development Fund to enhance progress in their respective areas.
Mworia said the MCA’s who retire after serving two terms should also be entitled to pensions just like it happens to MPs.
He said the association’s mission is to advocate for the welfare of MCA’s, who are the pioneers of devolution and deserve recognition and respect for their contributions.
“Just as retired MPs who have served two terms receive pensions, we request equal treatment. Should any legal framework be necessary, we plan to meet with the Senate Speaker and the National Assembly Speaker next week for guidance and support.
The MCA position, established in our 2010 Constitution, must be protected, and the Ministry of Devolution should collaborate closely with the Kenya Former MCA’s Association Forum to ensure the effectiveness of devolution and deliver value for money to Kenyans,” said Mworia.
He added: “Our esteemed President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, and Prof. Kithure Kindiki, have provided car loans to MPs and pensions for their service. However, the absence of pensions for MCA’s highlights a significant discrepancy that we urge you to address.
We will be reaching out for a courtesy call next month, keeping in mind that these former MCA’s are grassroots warriors, poised to form the next government by 2027. Once a leader, always a leader; once a soldier, always a soldier.”
The Kenya Former MCA’s Association was founded to safeguard the rights and freedoms of elected and nominated Members of County Assembly since the inception of devolution across the 1st and 2nd Assemblies.
The founder and Chairman is Martin Muthuri Mworia aka “Kiongozi” from Meru (Eastern Region).
Others are Rehab Nabwile from Bungoma (Western Region), Peter Juma from Nyanza, Christopher Mwambingu from the Coast, Dr. Koech from the Rift Valley, Peter Warutere from Nairobi, and Lilian Wanjiku from Central Region, as well as Issa Amed from North Eastern.
The Kenya Former MCA’s Association Forum is grassroots driven, with 47 active branches nationwide.
Each county features a dynamic team including a Chair, Secretary General, Organizational Secretary, and County Coordinators, all contributing to the National Secretariat which elects the national officials.
Reba Wabwile is the Secretary General.
The association has over 1,600 registered members and is set to be officially launched next month at the Bomas of Kenya.
The association plays a critical role in promoting devolution and advocating for increased funding to 40 percent.
