NAIROBI KENYA, Jan 9 – The Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Jane Kiringai has urged new commissioners to be prepared to always strike a balance between politics and statistics when discharging their mandate.
He was addressing 8 new commissioners appointed by President Ruto in December 2022 to serve for a six-year period.
Asenga warned the commissioners during their swearing-in at the Supreme Court that the task at hand required them to make a clear distinction between the political and technical aspects of the process without showing any favoritism.
“The task of sharing revenue is a very political process and technical in the other side. You going to have to strike a very good balance between the two,” she said.
And added, “You have a very technical and capable secretariat that one I can guarantee you but most importantly from the six years’ experience what is going to matter most is how you are going to interact with the two houses of parliament.”
The commissioners were also tasked with maintaining a positive working relationship with the National Treasury, a member of the commission and a significant stakeholder.
To do this, they were told to make technical and sound recommendations that would facilitate this interaction while carrying out their duties.
“You should work together and strategize and negotiate both with the executive since the other critical partner is the National treasury and our experience has taught us that once the two institutions agree then the rest will be easy,” she added.
The commissioners were urged to collaborate with the council of governors because their opinions and ideas in the allocation of funds are very important.
In order to maximize their experience on the commission, she also urged them to collaborate as a team.
“You have been appointed for a term of six years and the six years can be short or long depending on how you take this assignment. It can be a short time depending on the agenda you craft for yourself and their key achievements and at that time you’ll wonder where did the time go,” she said.
“It can also be a long time depending on how you relate with each other, how you work together as a team and that is really going to determine the experience you have with the commission.”
The sworn in commissioners include former Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi, Wilfred Koitamet, Olekina Nchoshoi, George Jalango Midiwo (Dr), Hadija Nganyi Juma, Isabel Nyambura Waiyaki (Dr.), Jonas Misto Vincent Kuko and Chris Kiptoo (Dr).
The members will be responsible for making recommendations concerning the basis for the equitable sharing of revenue raised by the national government between the central and devolved governments.
The Commission shall also make recommendations on other matters concerning the financing of, and financial management by County Governments, as required by the Constitution and national legislation.
The Commission shall submit its recommendations to the Senate, the National Assembly, the National Executive, County Assemblies, and County Executives
