Devolution ministry pledges to set a directorate to oversee County Economic Blocs

By Peter Kombe

Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa

The Ministry of Devolution and Arid and semi Lands has pledged to set up a directorate top oversee the proper functioning of County Economic Blocs.

Addressing journalist in Mombasa on Wednesday Charles Principal Secretary in charge of Devolution and ASAL Charles Sunkuli said the top organ will offer guiding principles and policies on the running of CEBs.

The PS however indicated that there exists a myriad of challenges in the operationalization of CEBs.

“The directorate will be in charge of overseeing the overall operation of CEBs throughout the country” he stated

Sunkuli further indicated that there is a need to adequately address the challenges in order to ensure proper functioning of the CEBs.

He cited an improper legal framework and inadequate resources as some of the challenges facing CEBs.

He said the ministry has spearheaded the development of a legal framework on CEBs.

“There are myriad of challenges including legal and institutional framework. The ministry has developed this policy to ensure that CEBs perform well” he said

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya

On the other hand, Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya and the chairperson of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani lauded the ministry for developing the county economic blocs policy.

Mvurya said the policy will ensure smooth running of all regional economic blocs throughout the country.

“This policy is just appropriate. It will help us implement most of our policies as a regional economic bloc” he noted

He however noted that legal framework still remains a challenge to several regional economic blocs.

He also opined that all legislation should be done within the context of the law.

“The biggest challenge we have faced is the legal aspect. However all legislation should be done within the context of the law” the Kwale County boss said

Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi

On his part, Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi echoed that the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani previously faced a myriad of legal challenges.

He however said the governance structure of the CEBs policy by the ministry should be relooked into and streamlined.

“JKP previously faced a lot challenges but I want to say that we are on the right track. I have an issue with the governance structure something should be done to streamline the policy” Kingi said

The Kilifi county boss opined that counties should only belong to one regional blocs.

The one day public participation forum was attended by representatives from all the six coast counties.

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