Murkomen’s take on Jubilee performance

By MICHAEL WESONGA

KENYA: Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator, also chairman of the Senate Committee on devolved Government Kipchumba Murkomen spoke to The Standard on Sunday writer MICHAEL WESONGA on Jubilee government scorecard.

What is your score card rating (1-10) for the Jubilee government for last year and what major achievements should Kenyans expect in the New Year?

It is not easy to give a score yet because the first year is used to lay a foundation through establishment of legislative and policy framework,  budgeting and planning. There are certain notable achievements such as settlement of squatters, free maternity services, shepherding transition to devolved governance, launching of the railway project, signing of various energy development agreements among others. The challenges have been in dealing with insecurity, the management of institutional relations, dealing with industrial action, managing the ICC situation among others.

I expect commencement of major infrustructure projects such as the railway, Lapsset, increase road networks especially in the marginalised areas, realisation of local development through devolution, commencement of major irrigation projects, construction of new stadia, the fulfillment of lap top promise, increase foreign investments, disbursement of the Uwezo Fund. All those programs should lead to economic growth and creation of lots of jobs for the youth.

What was behind the sudden abandon of your leading role in championing for a referendum to empower the Senate and increase funding to the counties?

Initially, I expected the proposed amendments would be limited to those strengthening devolution and the empower Senate. Unfortunately our colleagues in the minority introduced issues such as the changing of the system of government. We also agreed we would seek consensus between the Jubilee and CORD side so that we can have a less polarised environment.

Our colleagues in the minority betrayed us and used the proposals for referendum as a decoy for settling other political scores with the government of the day. It became impossible to carry out a bi-partisan process. I was aware though that the Supreme Court decision would favour us because of the overwhelming precedence that was in place.

Besides, you don’t need a referendum to increase the resources to counties, you just need to carry out empirical costing of functions and use the data in the Division of Revenue Bill.

Was your integrity compromised to warrant the about turn stance in the push for a referendum?

 Not at all. Two strategies of war are instructive. First you must know your limits and pick your battles carefully by considering the hidden cost of war such as time lost and political goodwill squandered. Second, you can lose battles but win the war. While others may be caught up in the twists and turns of the battle and relishing their little victories a grand strategy will bring you the last reward. That’s the wisdom that compromised my stand.

What other alternative constitutional means are available to ensure government’s commitment to the proposal for increased county allocation to 40 per cent is entrenched in the Constitution?

All over the world, the division of revenue is not based on a certain minimum it is actually based on the cost of functions, revenue raised locally, occurrence of unforeseen events etc. In some countries, the devolved unit may do so well that it lends money to the national government. Now that the Supreme Court has affirmed the role of Senate in division of revenue, we can be sure that counties will get their equitable share of the resources based on their functions and revenue raised nationally.

How far has the Senate realised its intention in formulation of legislation for creation of County Development Boards?

We completed the legislation and it is before the National Assembly for consideration.

How is the Senate going to ensure a cohesive working relation with the governors once the Bill is passed given the impression that you want to check their elective mandate even as some have vowed to never attend the Board?

The law is not just for the current senators and governors. It is for posterity. Those who are unable to comply with it will be treated just like any other Kenyan failing to comply with any other law.

Is devolution real or a mirage? How far are we as a country before realising full standards of devolution?

Devolution is real. It is the only available mechanism for ensuring equality in Kenya. It will address historical issues of marginalisation and foster peace and unity.  We are not yet there but we have had a perfect start. In less than 9 months all county governments are fully functional. We have transition challenges such as transfer of staff, initial procurement capacity of counties among others but we will surmount them. Senate has been working very well with the counties to address these challenges.

What is the actual role of the Senate and will it withstand the test of time given the incessant supremacy battles with the National Assembly and calls by different stakeholders for its disbandment?

Senate is the guardian angel of devolution and counties. Senate is one of the chambers of Parliament and Parliament is incomplete without Senate. Our role is legislation, representation and oversight. Those who have called of disbandment of Senate have given flimsy reasons such as reducing the cost of running Parliament. Senate is one of the cheapest institutions with only 67 members compared to National Assembly that has 350 members. Everywhere in the world where there are devolved units a second Chamber of Parliament is established. The relevance of Senate is linked to the relevance of counties. If you dissolve the devolved units then you dissolve Senate. Until then Senate is in town to stay.

You expressed discontent over sidelining Keiyos and Marakwets in key government appointments, are you satisfied with the recent appointments to key government parastatals?

I did not complain that my county is sidelined. I actually noted that some leaders from counties, which had received many appointments, want to cut the tree  before patient counties like Elgeyo Marakwet can get their share. I cannot complain publicly because I have the opportunity to seat with the President and the Deputy on behalf of our people. Public complains when I know I am consulted would be hypocritical. I am happy with the recent appointments and many more that I know will come with time. I also want other counties and minority communities in every corner of the country to be represented.

What is with the obsession to attack Nandi Hills MP Keter over sidelining of URP in the Jubilee Coalition and Mega corruption instead of addressing his concerns? Does the government have skeletons to hide especially as concerns the 1.2 Trillion Mombasa-Malaba Railway Project?

I have never attacked Keter, I basically tell him the truth while passing the actual message to those using him. URP has never and will never be sidelined because for every decision made by the President, the Deputy is equally responsible whether it is good or bad. Keter rhetoric is targeted on creating hatred against one community. It is also premised on the ill-advised believe that URP is for one tribe.

As Members of Parliament we have the opportunity to summon and question any state and public officer anytime we suspect corruption. Making complains in funerals when we were elected to carry out oversight in Parliament is tragic and irresponsible. I strongly believe he cannot raise the issues in Parliament because it will expose the interested parties he represents