Coast

Kwale leaders dismiss 'divisive' one man, one vote, one shilling revenue share formula

Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Kwale deputy governor Chirema Kombo and other leaders in Msambweni during the World Ocean Day celebrations on June 8, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Sunday, June 9, 2024

CS Mvurya said the move is impractical and should not be encouraged because it denies other counties an equal opportunity to develop.

Kwale leaders have faulted the push for the one man, one vote, one shilling county revenue share.

They said the system will undermine the country's effort to realise standard development and equal services to Kenyans.

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Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the move is impractical and should not be encouraged because it denies other counties an equal opportunity to develop.

"It is retrogressive and divisive, it will stifle development in some counties, especially the growth of the Coastal region," he said adding that the campaign will reverse gains made in the equitable distribution of resources to all Kenyan citizens.

"If implemented the campaign is set to cripple the effectiveness of devolution which played a key role in development," the CS said insisting that it will only benefit a few individuals.

National dialogue

Mvurya said the formula should be brought up for national dialogue and be discussed exhaustively.

He said it is inappropriate for some leaders to wake up and come up with ideas that are likely to hurt Kenyans and their development.

The CS said that devolution promoted the growth of previously marginalised counties and that the one man, one shilling vote would impede progress in the country's unpopulated areas.

Kwale deputy governor Chirema Kombo said as leaders they highly discourage unfairness in the distribution of national resources.

He said that they want development to reach every corner of the country benefiting everyone.

"We have seen our President travel to America to improve our development standards and this revenue formula will hold us back," he said.

The deputy governor said the government has implemented measures to fully exploit the blue economy sector.

Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza said the national leaders should work to unite the country and not bring up things that can divide the nation.

He said the move would only deny the resources the resources to take services close to the people.