Politics and policy
Councils owe Sh17.3bn ‘and can’t pay workers’
Municipal Council of Embu mayor Peter Mureithi and other leaders at the conference on transition from councils to counties in Nairobi on July 24, 2012. Photo/Jayne Ngari
Posted Tuesday, July 24 2012 at 20:27
The Kara chairman Richard Nyaga said the body would then liaise with the government on how to the debts will be repaid or else the counties may not function if they inherit the debts.
UN Habitat executive director Joan Clos asked the government to ensure that both technical and political capacity are in place during the transition.
“There is need to plan for the common good of city residents,” he said.
Mr Owade said: “The implication for this ‘movement’ from local authorities to the 47 counties is vast and complex and entails taking over assets and debts.”
Mr Owade said the shift to county governments will require delicate balancing because there is a functional government structure.
“While taking over assets is gratuitous, debts are problematic particularly since they are substantial. The ministry is evolving an indicative debt list,” he said.
The head of Swedish Development Cooperation, Mr Anders Ronquit, said that local government, as the most central institution to the people, must be supported to offer services.
emutai@ke.nationmedia.com
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