Coast leaders vow to push for law change initiative

Several Coast leaders have vowed to push for the implementation of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which is set to be launched later this week, to bring more resources to counties.

Speaking at Mwatate Secondary School grounds during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja said the region has been lagging behind in development, but the BBI will help increase funds for projects.

The report has recommended an increase of revenue allocated to counties by up to 45 per cent.

“When adopted, counties will witness better services in health, water, education, roads and other sectors that have been experiencing challenges due to limited resources," said the governor.

Mr Samboja added that BBI will ensure unity and inclusion in the country that has previously been facing divisions and post-election violence. "Devolution is the best thing that happened to this country because residents can now see development through county governments," he said.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi called on the BBI committee to release the report

Mr Kingi said the initiative is aimed at uniting Kenyans irrespective of tribe, gender, race and religion.

He noted that the report will enable Kenyans to fully realise the fruits of devolution as it advocates for an increase of the shareable revenue from the current 15 per cent to 35 per cent.

"This is the money that will directly benefit the people at the grassroots," he said, adding "BBI is about the people and not about an individual or ODM leader Raila Odinga."

Mr Kingi asked locals to avoid falling for tricks “coming in disguise of wheelbarrows to influence you to reject the BBI as witnessed in other parts of the country”. At the same time, he advised resi-dents to observe Covid-19 protocols amid a surge in infections.

In Mombasa, County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo warned that the second wave of Covid-19 seems to have hit the region.

“To get a bed at the emergency section of most of our hospitals in Mombasa is difficult as they are all full. The Covid-19 cases have spiked, and we are in great danger. We all need to take responsi-bility as individuals. Let us protect ourselves and the ones we love.” Mr Kitiyo said.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said he will not hesitate to take actions that will safeguard his people.

The governor reminded the residents that they have the greatest responsibility in the fight against Covid-19 despite efforts by the county to control the spread of the virus. He added that as much as social gatherings have been allowed, it is important for residents to wear masks.

By Lucy Mkanyika, Charles Lwanga, Siago Cece and Wachira Mwangi