Maa leaders reject three-tier governance system
Leaders from the Maa community have opposed the proposal to create a three-tier governance system.
The leaders from Narok, Kajiado and Samburu counties said while they support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the country should retain a two-tier system, saying another layer of government would disadvantage them.
They were reacting to a proposal by some pro-BBI leaders for adoption of a three-tier system—with counties, regional and national government.
Speaking during the BBI rally in Narok on Saturday, the Maa elected leaders, in resolutions read out by Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku, said, however, that they support the expansion of the Executive to promote inclusion.
“In our counties, we do not support the regional governments, but we support the regional blocs. We reject the establishment of the third-tier government (system) and supports the retaining of the current 47 counties,” said the governor.
Maa identity
Lenku, who is the chairman of the Kajiado-Narok economic bloc, said they fear that counties dominated by the Maa community could be merged with neighbouring devolved units which host different communities to form a regional government. The merger, the leaders argued, would not only take away the community’s identity, but will also result in unhealthy competition for the regional leadership post between the Maa and other communities.
Their declaration comes as Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina is on the spot for saying non-Maa communities residing in Kajiado and Narok should not speak on the issues facing the region.
Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito said regional governments will marginalise the region. His Samburu West counterpart Naisula Lesuuda said counties should not be altered.
Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo and Samburu Nort’s Alois Musa Lentoimanga echoed their colleagues’ views, saying wards and constituencies should remain as they are.
“It is going to take us backwards just like we have experienced before the inception of counties.”
