Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has proposed an amendment to the law to guarantee governors who serve two terms an automatic pension, similar to the arrangement enjoyed by Members of Parliament.
Speaking during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay on Thursday, Raila observed that when he served in Parliament, MPs amended the law to ensure legislators who had completed at least two terms were entitled to retirement benefits.
He argued that governors, who also serve under term limits and carry significant leadership responsibilities, should receive the same treatment.
“In Parliament, we did an amendment so that any MP who serves two terms is entitled to a pension. Why can’t we do the same for governors? A governor who has served two terms needs to be entitled automatically to a pension,” Odinga said.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader said the proposal would not only recognise the service of governors but also offer them financial security after leaving office, ensuring they can continue contributing to national development without financial strain.
"MPs should cease this matter and go and move an amendment in Parliament," he said.
Odinga further used the forum to reaffirm his support for devolution, describing it as one of the most transformative provisions of the 2010 Constitution.
He said devolution had brought governance and development closer to the people, empowered local decision-making, and allowed counties to address unique regional needs more effectively.
However, he stressed that for devolution to realise its full potential, there should be incentives for excellent performance at the county level.
“I want to propose that there be some incentive arrangements
between the national and county governments through which the national
government will reward those counties that deliver the best services,” Odinga
said.
The leader laid out a clear vision for the relationship between the national government and the 47 counties, emphasising the critical role of county assemblies in holding local executives accountable.
He reiterated that both levels of government must operate effectively without one dominating the other.
"“I believe in devolution; I believe in more, not less devolution. I believe in a balance of power between Nairobi and the counties; neither should stand in the way of the other. I believe in strong county executives oversighted by equally strong county assemblies,” he said.
