LREB governors call for review of public-private partnership framework

Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi

County Governors from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) have urged the Senate, National Assembly, and the Council of Governors to review the public-private partnership framework to make it user-friendly in the counties.

LREB Chairperson who is also Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o in his address during the 12th LREB summit at Alupe University in Busia County, said there was a need to remove the unfair legal procedures that are currently required for the use of public private and partnership in counties.

"Public-private partnership is available in Kenya and should be used by both County and National government to implement the projects,” he stated.

Siaya Governor James Orengo noted that the devolution process was failing because resources from the exchequer were not given in time.

Orengo highlighted the recent challenge in parliament where Counties were allocated Sh380 billion instead of Sh400 billion out of the Sh3 trillion national budget which is a paltry sum considering the constitutional responsibility of the counties.

“We must continue to fight for the Counties,” he said, adding that the region has a lot of resources but without a financial basis and legal framework, the member counties cannot do much.

He added that it was very difficult for counties to engage in public-private partnerships, yet the legal framework allows only the National Government to use it.

Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Barasa said that the region's resource mobilization starting from an equitable share of revenue was a challenge.

 Barasa stated that the region has opportunities and can also approach other partners to support their programs.

 "We will be looking forward to engaging more with our development partners and colleagues so that we can finance our activities," he said.

 He noted that there was a need to eliminate the bureaucracies and inefficiencies at the office of the Controller of Budget so that there are no delays in the release of funds.

Bungoma Governor, Kenneth Lusaka stated that the region should focus on flagship projects to be successful.