Raila Odinga Stresses Urgency of Revenue Sharing in Kenya Amid Economic Turmoil
In a press briefing held on Friday at Capitol Hill, Azimio coalition leader Raila Odinga addressed the ongoing controversy over revenue sharing among Kenyan counties, underlining its importance as the country grapples with economic challenges. The remarks came at a time when debates over the division of national resources have intensified, with various stakeholders presenting differing views on how to fairly allocate funds to counties.
Odinga emphasized that the issue of revenue sharing remains a core concern for the people of Kenya and that Friday’s briefing would focus solely on this matter. “Revenue sharing is a central issue in the lives of Kenyans,” he stated, steering the conversation away from other political matters that have dominated recent headlines. “We must ensure that factual discussions remain at the heart of public discourse, and all actors must act responsibly and avoid the spread of misinformation.”
Despite questions from the media about the recent criticisms directed at President William Ruto’s administration by Catholic bishops, Odinga declined to comment. His refusal to engage with these issues highlighted his determination to keep the conversation centered on policy rather than political conflicts. The bishops have been vocal in their discontent with the government’s handling of various issues, but Odinga chose not to address their statements at this time.
The question of how to equitably distribute resources among Kenya’s 47 counties has become a contentious political issue, especially in light of the economic pressures many regions are facing. Odinga’s remarks underscored the urgency of resolving the impasse, which has left many counties struggling to meet basic service delivery needs due to insufficient funding.
“In these tough economic times, the need for fair and transparent revenue allocation is even more critical,” Odinga asserted. “We must prioritize the well-being of all Kenyans, and that means ensuring that every county receives a fair share of resources to drive development and improve livelihoods.”
The former prime minister further emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the broader national issues and avoiding distractions from divisive political statements. “If we all stick to the facts, we will avoid becoming part of the problems we often complain about,” he noted.
Odinga concluded the briefing by announcing that he would make a more general statement at a later date, where he would address a wider range of questions and political developments. For now, however, his priority was clear: ensuring that the revenue sharing debate remains at the forefront of Kenya’s political agenda.
His decision to prioritize discussions on policy over political skirmishes suggests a shift towards a more issue-focused approach, at least for the time being. The Azimio leader’s comments come amid growing calls for transparency and accountability in the allocation of national resources, as counties face mounting challenges in providing essential services to their citizens.
As the debate on revenue sharing continues, all eyes will be on Kenya’s political leaders to find a sustainable solution that can ease the economic pressures faced by the country’s regions.
By Denis Esitika
Post Author
