Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa on Friday attended a public participation session for Policy on the Establishment of County Regional Economic Bloc {CREBs} in Kitui town.
The meeting was also graced by Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu who was the host, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti and Makueni County Secretary Paul Wasanga.
The forum had been convened to seek views from members of the public on how to establish a robust and effective policy framework to guide and regulate the operations and functions of Reginal Economic blocs that have been set up by counties across the country.
Wamalwa pointed out that already there were six regional economic bloc including the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) crafted out of the three Ukambani countis of Kitui ,Machakos and Makueni.
He said devolution was one of the most transformative changes in governance system brought about by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Quoting Article 174 of the Constitution that provides that one of the key objectives of devolution is to promote social and economic development and provide proximate, easily accessible services.
The CS said his ministry was is providing policy leadership to ensure the enactment of devolution laws, operationalization of County Government structures, the transfer of functions and allocation of resources to County Governments.
“There’s need for engagement of different blocs to encourage inter-block trade and enjoy the economies of scale”. He said.
Governor Ngilu said the three counties of the SEKEB intend to utilize the resources well to eliminate poverty in the counties and offer the region better economic resilience.
“It is only through mobilization of resources that the initiative would succeed,” said Ngilu.
Interim SEKEB chair also the NCCK Chairman Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki said the bloc has specific agenda for the people, all aimed at growing the residents’ economic potential.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti said there was need for visionary leadership anchored on mwananchi’s needs to have the bloc succeed.
Makueni County Secretary Paul Wasanga said SEKEB was not a political bloc and must not be politicized.
Policy Advisor for Devolution, Elizabeth Ouma, said the purpose of the policy was to improve the implementation of the devolved system of government in order to achieve optimal service delivery.
“It is intended to guide both levels of government to align their policies to the devolved system of government” said Ouma.
