Reasons Why I support Pesa Mashinani-Oyola D Oyola Political Analyst

Decentralizing financial resources to the grassroots is an idea which has been long overdue. Ever  since time in history,Kenya's financial management has been done through central administration. Due to the poverty in both political and moral cultures by the managers,the funds have not been living up to the expectations of the tax payers. Those in power have used their positions to play political gimmicks with it resulting into marginalization and deep-cutting economic corruptions. Government tendering processes which should be avenues of empowerment to the citizenry, has gone into the pockets of a few usual people both national and international who then invest these taxes abroad depriving the local population of the benefits accruing from their contributions.

More funds at the county will see the following happen:
1. Government tenders will be able to benefit the locals. This will be as a result of many people down at the counties getting access to the tender opportunities.These tenders have in the past been a preserve of the few businessmen seated in Nairobi,New York,Hong Kong and New Delhi. Nothing is purchased in govt if not through this process. The over 1.8Trillion budget by the govt during the financial years 2014/2015 will be consumed through tendering processes. Our local businessmen will be able to apply for these tenders and invest them in the empowerment of the locals.

2. 45% of funds to the counties will dilute the presidency and make it less lucrative as opposed to the current state. Many marginalized communities through their counties will not need the presidency since political favors emanating from the same will be washed away by 'Pesa Mashinani'. Self-sustainability by the people will be like the second independence.

3. Development of a particular place is determined by the money circulation in that area. For a long time,Nairobi has experienced a huge migration of young men and women coming to look for opportunities. Trust me,back in the rural, there is enough work to be done; what has been lacking is money. 

4. Businesses started at the counties will  grow due to the high purchasing power of the people.
The coming of 'pesa mashinani' will see financial institutions set up branches at the counties to tap into the currency. This will see many  get access to credit to start up businesses and grow the already existing institutions.
The circulation will also see institutions of higher learning and research firms set up campuses and stations as investments to empower the human capital due to the availability of funds to finance their enrollments.
When the above is done, the economies of our counties will see Kenya grow in its GDP in unimaginable folds.
 
5. The perennial land problems will be dealt with by the county officials in collaboration with the affected communities  who best have the history and facts. Destruction and and preservation of our natural resources like forests will be effectively checked by the county governments.

100% allocation to the national government has been tested and tried since independence. Instead of ensuring growth,employment and equity, it resulted into Anglo-leasing frauds,Goldenberg scandals, Cemetery scandals, deeper marginalization, crazy unemployment levels, political patronage,democracy and political assassinations; all evils both from hell and earth befell Kenya because of the 100% funds to the central government.
The reality of more funds at the counties will encourage political tolerance,national tranquility and peaceful coexistence between communities since much pressure for the scramble for resources will shift to the counties. Competition will be focused not on who become the president but how fast counties develop. If there could be a time young people would rise and make a statement, it is now since the salvation from the 50-year economic suffering and  captivity is within stone's throw.

Oyola D Oyola is a Political Analyst and the Public Relations and Communication Director, Intellectus Consultancy