Council of Governors and County Assemblies Forum (CAF) Western Cluster have united to push for Pensions Scheme for Governors, Speakers and Members of the County Assembly who have served for at least two terms.

CoG Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya and Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the proposed legislation developed by the CoG on the Welfare of Governors and Deputy Governors should include Speakers and MCAs.

H.E Ojaamong said MCAs deserve to earn even more than Members of Parliament, thus the need to consider their welfare given their close proximity to the electorates than MPs.

"For devolution to succeed Governors, Speakers and MCAs need to put efforts in ensuring the Building Bridges Initiative factors in Pensions and Ward Development Fund for MCAs.

He added: " We must fight for the BBI to have more resources trickle to counties; the need to have a social hall for retirees to share their experiences is crucial and to look into their welfare."

H.E Oparanya said the CoG is in the process of drafting a pensions bill, urging County Assemblies to support the bill that will lead to the creation of County Pension Fund which will be contributory and which will be executed within guidelines given.

He noted that the BBI is ready with two issues beneficial to the devolved units including more funds to be channeled to grassroots and the introduction of Ward Development Fund."

"The document has addressed these two issues and County Assemblies have no reason not to pass it."

The Speakers and MCAs in resolutions read by CAF Western Cluster chair, Hon. Joshua Werunga unanimously agreed to support BBI report, with prayers that the BBI should enhance funding and resource allocation to counties up to ward level.

It was also resolved that CAF initiates deliberations geared towards developing a uniform legislation on establishment and regulation of a Ward Development Fund that will ensure disbursement of funds for high impact development at grass roots level.

Photo: Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong at the CAF Western Cluster Summit at Busia ATC on Friday.
- Participants during the CAF Western Cluster Summit at Busia ATC on Friday.
- Busia Assembly Women Caucus chair Angela Nafula during the CAF Western Cluster Summit at Busia ATC on Friday.

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