Mt. Kenya region Governors have once again revived the push for the One Man, One Vote campaign as the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) kickstarts views collection on the 4th revenue-sharing formula. The governors, speaking at a roundtable meeting with CRA commissioners in Nairobi, emphasized the need for a formula that reflects the region’s contribution to the national economy.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who chairs the Central Region Economic Bloc (CEREB), expressed the region’s frustration with previous revenue-sharing formulas that have not taken into account their production capabilities. He called on the CRA to allocate resources based on a region’s actual contribution to the national cake, rather than simply treating all counties equally.
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Governor Kahiga highlighted the misconception that the Mt. Kenya region is fully developed, pointing out that there are still many people in the region who are living in poverty and in need of assistance. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every county receives its rightful share of resources, particularly to address issues such as jiggers, slums, and lack of access to medical care.
The governor proposed the adoption of a baseline shareable revenue amount that would cover the basic operations of each county before any other parameters are considered. He stressed the need for a fair and just distribution of resources that takes into account the actual needs of each county.
The meeting was also attended by Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisraeli and Laikipia Governor Reuben Kamuri, who echoed Governor Kahiga’s sentiments and called for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula.
In response, the CRA has committed to gathering views from different economic blocs to ensure that the final report on the 4th revenue-sharing formula reflects the diverse needs and contributions of all regions. The commission’s efforts to incorporate input from various stakeholders will be crucial in developing a formula that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all counties.
As the debate on revenue sharing continues, it is clear that the governors from the Mt. Kenya region are determined to advocate for a formula that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of their region. By pushing for a more equitable distribution of resources, they are working towards a system that promotes economic growth, social development, and overall prosperity for all Kenyan counties.