Azimio leader Raila Odinga has voiced his support for the “one man, one vote, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula, asserting that it is the right approach for equitable resource distribution in Kenya.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Raila emphasized that this debate should be embraced with an open mind, highlighting the importance of addressing devolution equitably, rather than equally.
Raila explained that devolution aims to ensure resources are shared based on population needs, not merely on equality. He referred to discussions from the Limuru III meeting, which focused on resource sharing, and he clarified that the proposed formula does not discriminate against any part of the country. Instead, it aims to guarantee a fair distribution of resources to all Kenyans.
“It is not right for some children to receive more bursary support than others in different regions. By having this conversation openly, we can convince our people that this is the right approach. This is why we proposed it in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI),” Raila stated.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been a strong proponent of the “one man, one vote, one shilling” formula, arguing that it would benefit the Mt. Kenya region. He has urged residents of the region to monitor politicians’ stances on the issue and to consider those who oppose the proposal as adversaries to the region’s interests.
Contrarily, leaders from the North Eastern region have expressed concerns that the formula could lead to further marginalization of their communities. Similarly, some Meru leaders have distanced themselves from the proposal, arguing that it could marginalize certain counties.
The “one man, one vote, one shilling” formula, supported by several politicians from the Mt. Kenya region, advocates for resource allocation based on population. This approach contrasts with the current revenue-sharing formula, which considers population (45%), basic equal share (25%), poverty (20%), land area (8%), and fiscal responsibility (2%). Mt. Kenya politicians argue that the existing formula leaves heavily populated counties with insufficient funds for development.
Counties like Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, which are heavily populated, would benefit significantly from the proposed formula, according to its proponents.
