Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi advocated for leveraging on technology and data to improve service delivery in counties.
Mudavadi said for counties to harness more through their economic planning and national to county integration, embracing technology and having timely, accurate and verifiable data remains key.
He noted the digitization of public financial management processes within counties to be an enabler in real-time tracking, enhanced supply chain management, and improved decision-making through data mining and analytics.
“Let us work towards moving quicker with technology. For us to close corruption holes, do away with mismanagement and pilferage we must embrace technology. We have to find a way into the new digital world. I agree some counties are moving on well but in others much has to be done,” said Mudavadi.
“In data mining, you mine what is valuable. You don’t go and mine what is worthless.”
Mudavadi pointed out at the recent roll-out of e-procurement as an example saying counties like Samburu are leading by example with systems having been put in place.
He challenged counties that are yet to embrace the use of technology to automate and streamline business procurement processes, such as sourcing, bidding, purchasing, and invoicing to follow suit.
Mudaavdi was speaking in Busia county when he presided over the launch of the capacity building programme for county governments on economic planning and strengthening national – county integration mechanisms.
“Perhaps treasury should provide some data and information on which counties are doing well in moving forward with electronic procurement and which ones are not. This should act as a peer review platform for counties to learn from each other and compare with what others are doing. This will help us to know if we are sitting well or not.”
He challenged the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to seize the week-long opportunity within their respective counties during the capacity building workshops and stand out to be counted as key contributors in the national and county economic planning cadres.
He encouraged the officer to be critical players in data mining and verification for purposes of proper planning both at national and county levels as they are crucial grassroots government officials responsible for implementing national policies and programs and coordinating development at the local level.
“Politicians at times have been saying there is no need for NGAO, and now I am challenging our NGAO teams that you must find your own space and relevance. People will take you seriously when they know you have something of value.”
“To the NGAO team (Assistant Chiefs, Chiefs, Assistant County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners, County Commissioners and Regional Commissioners), you can turn yourselves into a mega resource by ensuring that you are a primary source of data,” said Mudavadi.
He further warned counties against harming both local and foreign investors at county levels.
He said such incidents damage bilateral relations with foreign partners and erode investor confidence both locally and internationally.
Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said foreign investments just like local investments in our respective counties must be properly safeguarded.
“We want to woe investors. As counties in the planning process make sure that your records are accurate, make sure your land tenure systems are accurate and up to date. Get information that is clear on what is the lead time for an investor who wants to set up a factory and the time you give the investor clearance and all the requirements for him/her to set up the factory. Does it take 3 years, does it take 5 years depending on how it varies from county to county.”
“We must figure out what are we doing ourselves to provide the right environment that will act as a magnate for investors who want to come our respective counties. Don’t be hostile to investors, previously I have given an example of one county where an investor was a victim of local politics that led to the destruction of his hotel industry investment,” Mudavadi regretted.
Previously Mudavadi has been quoted saying that competition for Foreign Direct Investment is absolutely essential for investment, employment and revenue growth.
“Please treat investors with dignity, obey the law and follow the laid regulations by your respective counties for us to attract investment and economic growth.”
Mudavadi said it is time relevant stakeholders relook at the model governing the inter-border trade relations especially for counties that sit within the territorial borders with our trading neighbouring countries like Uganda.
“Uganda is our largest trading partner in the region but Busia, Migori and Bungoma actually benefit least on the revenues that emerge from such partnerships. We need to see how to improve on such arrangements that will give enhanced trade benefits,” he added.
Mudavadi acknowledged that the national government has really stepped up in remitting the monies for county governments under the framework of the shared revenue as governed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.
“Right now, it is only September that is pending, and treasury has assured county governments that the long-protracted delays are soon coming to an end with the September bunch expected to be released next week.”
Mudavadi said the national government is taking a vital step in renewing its commitment to closely support and work with county governments in the transformation journey for a more prosperous Kenya.
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