Cord leader Raila Odinga has welcomed plans by President Uhuru Kenyatta to launch a slum upgrading project in Kisumu.
Noting that he initiated an upgrade while serving as the Minister of Roads and Public Works in 2003, Raila said he is not opposed to development.
“I did not oppose the programme in Kibera. I also support the slum upgrade project the president is launching in Nyalenda,” he said.
He spoke on Tuesday on the sidelines of the second annual devolution conference at the Tom Mboya Labour College, Kisumu.
Raila described county funding as one of the key issues the conference should discuss.
He said Cord governors will raise the minimum funding issue ahead of an Okoa Kenya launch set for Thursday at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. Among issues the drive seeks to address are insecurity and land tension.
“We will talk to the governors to see whether we can merge the Okoa Kenya and Pesa Mashinani referendum drives,” he said.
Uhuru is scheduled to give the keynote address at the summit before launching a Huduma Centre branch.
Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, Tana River Governor Hussein Dado and Nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi participated in a panel on security.
A panel chaired by Kiambu Governor William Kabogo reviewed achievements and challenges of devolution over the past two years.
Other participants in the panel were Busia Senator Amos Wako, Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy.
About 6,000 participants will attend the conference organised by the Devolution ministry and the Council of Governors.
Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya is the chairman of the summit held to review devolved governance. It will be closed by Deputy President William Ruto on Friday.
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Council of Governors chairman and Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto are among officials attending the conference.
The others are National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru.
– the-star.co.ke
