Ruto said devolution has also allowed the people to have a say or input in development matters/DPPS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 21 – Devolution is revolutionising lives of Kenyans in rural areas despite a few challenges, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
Ruto said devolution has also allowed the people to have a say or input in development matters.
Speaking when he met Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa who called on him at his Karen office, Thursday morning, the Deputy President challenged the public to be more involved in asking for areas of priority in development.
“The public should be more involved in asking for areas of priority in development so that projects which address their concerns are implemented,” said Ruto.
He said the centre for the push for a new constitution was the desire by the people to devolve resources and decision making to the grassroots.
Ruto said despite the challenges in implementing the system, devolution has greatly transformed the lives of millions of Kenyans across the country.
“I am happy that despite the challenges we have in implementing the system of governance, devolution has brought hope to millions of Kenyans across the country,” said Ruto.
He said counties were now implementing projects at the grassroots in line with the people’s priorities without interference from the national government.
“The original push for the Constitution came because of a feeling by citizens that resources were not being distributed equitably while others felt that they were being marginalized,” said Ruto.
“Devolution has now addressed such concerns because citizens can make their own decisions on how best their resources at the grassroots can be utilized,” added Ruto.
The Deputy President said by the end of the year, the government would have devolved Sh1 trillion.
Kuugongelwa praised efforts being made by Kenya in implementing issues pertaining to devolution.
“I must say we are happy at the manner in which issues of devolution are being implemented as one way of transforming the lives of the people,” she said.
“Participatory leadership is key to attaining development in our continent and as a country we are hoping to share with Kenya on how best we can improve our system of governance to improve the lives of our citizens,” added Kuugongelwa.
The Prime Minister at the same time said Kenya is helping Namibia come up with a strong and vibrant cooperative movement to help its people access credit facilities.
She said they would learn from Kenya’s vibrant and dynamic cooperative movement with a view to setting up a similar one in Namibia.
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