Experts cite devolution, new governance as core of BBI

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Governor James Ongwae in Kisii for the BBI consultative forum.

Experts addressing delegates in the first-ever Public County BBI consultative forum in Kisii say the report is centred on two key issues; a new governance structure and devolution.

In their address, the experts, a majority of them advocates, said the report seeks to solve injustices experienced in the country for years.

Advocates Ken Nyaundi, James Mamboleo and Kamau Mbugua, both advocates, say Kenya needs a Governance system that is inclusive and increased resources to the Counties.

"BBI is all about a united, cohesive and peaceful country. We will have a strengthened DCI and DPP to deal with the corrupt," says Nyaundi.

Mbugua on his part said the report talks of improved social well-being, better primary healthcare and a unified food security plan.

According to Mamboleo, the National Ethos clause in the report seeks to address colonial disputes.

"These are disputes that we need to sit as a country and agree to resolve. We need to re-write our history and forget the dark past. The Ministry of Culture should make us feel proud as Kenyans and Africans at large."

The leaders will be addressing more than 3,000 delegates at the Kisii Golf Course before proceeding to the Gusii Stadium to address the public.

Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and all the six governors from Nyanza attended.

In the programme, there was an expert and plenary sessions co-chaired by Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka and Junet Mohamed (Suna East).

Representatives from different groups also had a chance to address the forum with a special presentation by the governors.

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i addressed the meeting and was expected to invite former Premier Raila Odinga to close the forum and head to Gusii Stadium.

More than 350 police officers both in uniform and those in civilian clothes were deployed inside and outside the venue as well as along Kisii town streets.

Several Senators, MPs and MCAs attended.