Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen has entered the debate surrounding the “one man, one vote, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula, stating that those supporting it are adversaries of Kenya’s unity.
Addressing a youth empowerment fundraiser in Isiolo North, Murkomen argued that projects like the 800-kilometre Nairobi-Moyale Road and the Lamu Port would not have materialized with such a mindset.
“President Kibaki had a grand dream for the development of marginalised areas. We shall complete the dream of our founding fathers to tarmac roads in the North from Isiolo to Mandera, complete LAPSSET corridor from Lamu to Isiolo via Garissa in this first term of this administration,” he assured.
Murkomen stated that most of those talking about the formula do not even know what it entails.
“When I was a senator, in the last Parliament, together with others we united and said we wanted to be known as Team Kenya. We did that because we wanted to portray Kenya as one country,” he said.
“Nairobi was getting a bigger allocation but Johnson Sakaja (now Nairobi governor) stood with us. Egeyo Marakwet was getting more money than Isiolo but I stood with Team Kenya.”
Murkomen noted that even as a Cabinet Secretary, he has a huge responsibility to ensure every Kenyan is a winner.
“Those saying certain regions should get a bigger allocation are enemies of the unity of Kenya. I do not fear to say so,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance for leaders to ensure equitable development across the country, promising pastoralist communities and marginalized regions that they would receive their fair share of development.
Supporters of the “one man, one vote, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Azimio leader Raila Odinga. Both have asserted that the formula does not advocate for withholding funds from areas with lower populations. Gachagua, speaking at a meeting in Samburu, emphasized the need for equity, stating that all children should have equal opportunities, regardless of their location.
Similarly, Kibwezi West Constituency MP Mwengi Mutuse suggested that while population is an important factor, it should not be the sole determinant, proposing that it could be given greater weight in the calculation process.
