Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged the government to review the devolved system saying that the 47 counties are too many and unsustainable. According to the CS, the current devolved system strains government finances.
Mbadi now suggests that the country should consider reverting to the former 8 provinces or a maximum of 14 administrative units. He believes the country would run smoothly and become easily manageable in terms of budget allocation if the number of counties would be reduced.
Mbadi reveals that the current devolved system has many unnecessary positions which burdens the state hence should be reviewed.
“47 counties are just too much for a country. Each one with full-fledged government, a governor who is the mini president with a deputy who is running mate, and struggling to find work to do.” He said.
The CS also suggests that the eight provinces before the formation of the 2010 Constitution would come in handy to address the current financial crisis affecting the country and also ensure resources trickle down to the grassroots
He added, “and then you have ministers, all of them went for 10 which is the maximum, we have Chief Officers, more than 10, and then we have county assemblies…I would go for a maximum of 14,” says Mbadi.
