Homa Bay County Assembly became the third county to pass the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 on Thursday.
The Bill was approved during proceedings presided over by Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo which saw the assembly members unanimously endorse the constitutional amendment Bill.
The Bill was tabled by the Assembly’s’ Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chairman Nicholas Ayieta.
It was seconded by nominated MCA Kevin Onyago following the completion of the public participation phase carried out earlier in the week.
“After considering views of the public, members of my Committee are now appealing to the members of the Assembly to endorse this Bill,” Ayieta told the House.
While seconding the motion, Onyango said the envisaged amendments will spur economic growth across the country.
“Increasing the sharable revenue to the counties from the current 15 per cent to 35 per cent will transform the grassroots,” Onyango said.
Gwassi North MCA Evans Marieba said the Bill will reduce the wage bill by enabling members of the cabinet be appointed from the legislative arm of government.
Kanyadoto MCA Walter Muok said introduction of the Ward Development Fund in the proposed law will speed up development in wards.
“We are currently relying on the goodwill of the executive to implement development projects in our wards but the proposed law will empower us,” said Muok.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kochia MCA Michael Anyang who said the proposed changes were long overdue.
“Devolution cannot succeed without proper funding which the BBI bill guarantees,” Anyang’i said.
Nominated MCA Judith Omogi said that the new law will empower women to ascend to leadership positions.
She expressed optimism that the bill will also enhance equitable sharing of national revenue. “The new law has many benefits and will enhance economic development in this county,” said Omogi said.
Nominated MCA Edwin Kakach said that the proposed law will protect the interests of persons with disabilities (PDWs).
The Assembly Chief Whip Dan Were said the Bill was passed in accordance with the law after undergoing due legal process.
The Speaker, Elizabeth Ayoo, signed the approval certificate before being dispatched to the Speaker of the Senate Ken Lusaka and his National Assembly counterpart Justin Muturi.
Homa Bay County Assembly’s passage of the bill comes after the passage in Siaya and Kisumu County Assemblies.
