Migori lawmaker Eddy Oketch asserted that governors should remain composed and avoid attributing political motives to on-site public oversight conducted by senators.
Navigating Political Perceptions
According to Oketch, senators are entrusted with a crucial oversight role, but many have opted out of active involvement or direct public engagement. This reluctance stems from fears of being perceived as politically opposed to governors or harboring ambitions to unseat them.
Inaugurating Public Participation for Oversight
Speaking during the initiation of a public participation drive for oversight on the allocation of devolved funds under Governor Ochillo Ayacko’s administration across all eight sub-counties, Oketch stressed, “Senators play a pivotal role in fortifying devolution, ensuring Kenyans receive value for their funds, and providing a platform for citizen advocacy.”
Local Voices Gather in Nyabokarange
He added, “However, numerous governors fear that senators actively participating in oversight or engaging directly with the public primarily aim to vie for their positions in general elections, which is not accurate.”
Oketch made these statements in Nyabokarange, Kuria West sub-county, where he convened with the public from the constituency and neighboring Kuria East sub-county.
Representatives Unite for Oversight
Diverse representatives, including professionals, clergy, traders, youths, and women, gathered in the meeting to articulate their oversight role regarding the disbursement of the released Sh11.3 billion in Governor Ochillo Ayacko’s administration.
Ayacko’s Succession and Fiscal Achievements
Ayacko succeeded Okoth Obado, who had completed two terms in office. Oketch, referring to his participation in the budget and investment committees, revealed that he secured an additional Sh4 billion for Migori from the exchequer and ensured the prompt release of funds, with the latest disbursement occurring in November.
Compiling Feedback for Senate Action
“We aim to gather public feedback to compile an oversight report. This report will serve as a basis to summon the governor to the Senate, shedding light on crucial areas or seeking advisory opinions,” Oketch explained.
Comprehensive Oversight Areas
The oversight will encompass four main areas: unresolved bills, development projects, bursaries, ECDE (Early Childhood Development Education), and human resources and payroll.
Community Voices and Contractor’s Perspective
Simon Mosoba, a resident, commended the timely nature of the oversight, anticipating that it would promptly address devolution-related issues. Contractor Omondi Sawo suggested that the oversight should involve generating a report and bringing governors before the Senate to respond to queries regarding fund utilization.
Governor Ayacko’s Unique Perspective
Residents expressed satisfaction that Governor Ayacko, previously a senator who actively oversaw Obado’s administration, understands the pivotal role such oversight plays in safeguarding devolution.
Emphasizing Local Oversight Importance
While Members of County Assembly (MCAs) bear the responsibility of scrutinizing whether projects they budgeted for have been executed, residents emphasized that bringing oversight meetings to the public is crucial for safeguarding devolution.
“Such meetings should be conducted at the ward level, with budgets and plans analyzed before new ones are formulated,” added resident Mama Anna Aludo
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