Central Kenya Governors terms for backing BBI report

Nyandarua County Governor Francis Kimemia during a press conference on October 29, 2019, at Sarova Panafraic Hotel in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo/Standard]

Governors from central Kenya have said they will only back the Building Bridges Initiative report if its recommendations address the region's economic interests and proposes more cash for counties.

Four governors — Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia) and Martin Wambora (Embu) — yesterday said they would only back the BBI report if it translates into increased budgetary allocations for the counties.

They spoke days after 40 MPs from the region declared they would reject the report if it proposes a parliamentary system of government in which MPs elect a prime minister who is the head of Government.

Mr Kimemia (pictured), the chairman of the Central Region Economic Bloc, said that the governors would examine the contents of the report once released and give a way forward.

“As we have said before through the Council of Governors, we will support any initiative that increases allocations to the counties for development. Therefore, we will examine the BBI report and only support it if satisfies the interests of our regions,” he said.

Meaningful dialogue

Muriithi urged leaders to wait for the report to be released so that they can engage in meaningful dialogue as opposed to verbal wars currently being witnessed.

“All leaders are free to debate how the affairs of the country are going to be managed. It is, however, not wise to start fires even before the public familiarises itself with the contents of the report,” stated Muriithi.

Speaking at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi yesterday, the county Chiefs urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure the expeditious tabling of the report for public debate, which they argued would tone down the political rhetoric.

Governor Murungi said that without the detailed contents of the report, politicians were engaging in futile debate.

“We support the intentions of the BBI which include unity, peace and inclusivity but our concern is that there has been too much speculation,” said Murungi.