Counties urged to prop small businesses against Covid-19

Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa and Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong during the unveiling of the Sh10m bus bought by Busia County Assembly Sacco on June 26, 2020. [Ignatius Odanga, Standard]

County governments have been urged to put in place contingent measures to minimise the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on their economies.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa warned failure to do so would put small businesses at risk of total collapse as a result of disruptions caused by the deadly virus.

Small business owners have experienced dramatic falls in business activity and revenue due to restrictions arising from the pandemic and are struggling to pay their employees and stay afloat.

Such businesses have also found it difficult to access government support programmes.

The CS urged county assemblies to prioritise the fight against the pandemic rather than engaging in political fights with governors and county executives.

“There is a new trend that is happening in our country right now that it is fashionable to impeach governors, and we are seeing more impeachment motions from the counties,” said Wamalwa (pictured, right) when during the unveiling of the Busia County Assembly Sacco bus bought at Sh10 million. 

”As CS for Devolution, I am pleading with the ward reps across the country that for now let us direct our effort towards fighting coronavirus in counties.”

He further urged the ward reps to embrace the culture of saving to grow the cooperative movement in the county. The Devolution CS said while Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) had an obligation to oversight the executive and hold them to account, they should not use their platform to settle political scores.

Wamalwa’s remarks came on the day the Senate select committee looking into graft allegations against Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru exonerated her of any wrongdoing.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong also urged the ward reps to play a more active role in helping contain the coronavirus pandemic.

“The war against this virus can only be won if all of us joined hands, including the MCAs,” said Ojaamong.