Wajir Senator Dr Abdullahi Ali Kabreta has shown his bold leadership icon by standing with Counties that are expected to lose money if the proposed new revenue allocation formula by Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) among 47 counties is adopted by the Senate.
During the debate on Amendments to Third basis revenue allocation formula on Tuesday evening Senator Abdullah said “Mr Speaker Sir I stand vehemently opposed to this amendments since it is not different from the original Motion”.
Dr Kabreta who was seen emotionally contributing to the new revenue allocation formula report wanted it shot down with all the amendments proposed and took a big role to ensure the new formula could not see light at the end of the day.
Futher Dr Abdullahi said in his Contribution in the defend of the marginalized counties meant to lose said, “60% of the revenue is generated in Nairobi, 30% of it coming from eastleigh so we will not allow to be pushed to the periphery. I say No to the new formula”.
Senator Ali was a mong top brigade who led to the defeat of the new revenue allocation formula which he termed as very unfair and a way to kill devolution.
The senator noted that the Senate being the custodian of Devolution would not accept it used to fight the same. “Today I am wearing a tie whose colours is Kenyan flag and no one can intimidate me. We must respect the devolution which has changed the lives of the many people in Kenya”, he declared.
The new formula proposed by the commission on revenue allocation (CRA) stands to disenfranchise some counties and favour others. 18 counties are going to lose from what they will receive should the formula be passed by the senate. It was however rejected by Senators who stood for success of devolution including Dr Kabreta.
For the sixth time the senate has been unable to adopt and pass a formula that will be used by CRA in sharing of Revenue among the 47 Counties.
Senator Kabreta’s four minutes Contribution on the floor of the house will remain in the history books of Wajir County and other Counties in the Country who feel being cheated. His defence of Wajir County not to lose close to 1.4 billion shillings and other Asal counties, will remain in memories of many.
Among other Counties that will lose if the formula is adopted and becomes law, include, Mombasa, Kilifi and Makueni.
The defeat of the formula the sixth time despite lobbying for its support by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga is an indication that Senators are strongly behind success of devolution.