The move by ward representatives in Kiambu County seeking to compel public and private institutions to reserve 70 per cent of jobs to locals is retrogressive.
Such a move does not bode well for the long-term wellbeing of the county.
While the populist plan will soothe the egos of local leaders and excite their supporters, they should not forget that such threats will only derail development.
According to the members of the county assembly, businesses that fail to comply to the law will be denied operating licences. They vowed to audit staff at the organisations to ensure they comply with the quota rule.
They even want the county assembly to be in charge of hiring the heads of local institutions of higher learning.
The drafters of the 2010 Constitution did not envisage a situation where the law would be abused to suit the interests of a few politicians. What the ward representatives are forgetting is that such poor resolutions can drive away investors from the county.
Kenyans have the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country. No one should dictate where one should work.
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