“Most of the policies we have as a country are very good but are implemented in a very selfish and corrupt way, which minimises their impact,” he said.
If implemented the right way, the Bishop said the existing laws could facilitate a transformed nation and ensure Kenyans live in harmony.
Murang'a Catholic Bishop Maria Wainaina during a thanksgiving ceremony at Kirinyaga County Assembly./HANDOUT
Murang’a Catholic Bishop Maria Wainaina has admonished government officers who use public policies for their own interests.
The Bishop said that despite the government establishing many policies with the capacity to uplift Kenyans’ lives, corruption has remained a hindrance to their implementation.
“Most of the policies we have as a country are very good but are implemented in a very selfish and corrupt way, which minimises their impact,” he said.
If implemented the right way, the Bishop said the existing laws could facilitate a transformed nation and ensure Kenyans live in harmony.
He pointed an accusing finger at the national government for failing to disburse sufficient resources to the counties to facilitate their functions.
He said this has caused suffering for many who depend on county governments for crucial services such as health.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony in Kirinyaga county assembly, the Bishop underscored the need for both county and national government to keenly follow the constitution in delivery of their functions and ensure they don’t overstep each other’s boundaries.
“The constitution has made this very clear. If something is meant to be done by the county, let it be so. If a function falls under the national government, let counties steer clear,” he said.
Wainaina said leaders breach the law to serve their interests to the detriment of Kenyans who vote them into their positions.
County assembly speaker Muteti Murimi expressed concerns over the national government’s failure to disburse revenue to county governments in time.
“Devolution was born from the 2010 Constitution and was to be implemented progressively. So far, counties have set up the necessary infrastructure to take up all their functions and the national government should ensure resources are disbursed,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo said devolution is on its deathbed if urgent measures are not taken to revive it.
Njamumo said delays in disbursement of revenue from the national government has crippled operations in counties that now rely on loans to pay salaries.
He said development has been worst hit as counties have to wait for the disbursements to implement projects.
“The last time the funds were released was three months ago, how is the county supposed to run? Even the money borrowed from banks for salaries attracts high interest which is a loss to the taxpayer,” he said.
He said, despite failing to avail funds, the national government has taken up most functions bestowed on county governments.
This financial year, the deputy speaker said Sh198 million was cut from funds allocated for roads in the county, leaving the county leadership helpless in the sector.
“MPs have now taken over bursaries and refused to entrench the Ward Development Fund in the constitution like they have done with the NG-CDF. If you see a feeder road being done in your area, know that your MCA or governor has sourced for funds elsewhere.”
