Economic segments of new law need scrutiny

Devolving funds to the counties is no different.

While the provision is clearly targeted at the inequitable manner in which successive governments have managed the national resources, it poses the danger of massive wastage and theft.

It may not be clear to many as yet but the reality is that putting between Sh1 billion and Sh2 billion in the hands of counties amounts to a dangerous play with resources.

There is no capacity at the county level to manage such magnitude of money and not much attention is being paid to this matter.

Instead, politicians are already jostling for new offices never minding what value they are likely to bring.

The jostling can certainly not be in the public interest but a self-serving undertaking that is cut from the same cloth as the impunity with which politicians perched on devolved funds such as LATF and CDF, causing massive wastage.

It must be clear to Kenyans that devolved governments will offer a unique opportunity to make economic decisions that can improve their lives.

This is a Herculean task that requires proper planning and choice to weed out people whose interest in the seats of governors will be the resources.

Kenyans must insist that these positions be occupied by individuals with right expertise and track records in management to realise the set goals.

Very few politicians have such qualifications.