Alfred Mutua should go back to basics FORTY county - TopicsExpress

Alfred Mutua should go back to basics FORTY county representatives from Machakos have travelled to South Africa to study local government. Alfred Mutua was considered the flag bearer for enlightened governors in Kenya in his first 100 days. He hit the ground running with an investment conference for Machakos; a land bank for investors; and progressive measures such as organising ambulances for every ward. The purchase of Subaru Outbacks for Machakos cabinet members was accepted as a necessary evil but this trip to South Africa is a bit much. Presumably the intention is to educate the councillors about effective local government and devolution South African style but the councillors may spend more time in the malls of Johannesburg than in the field. Governor Mutua could have held seminars in Kenya for his councillors with experts in devolution, finance, roadbuilding, health, and education. The councillors might have learnt more that way at a lower cost. The suspicion is that Mutua has been playing politics trying stop the county representatives siding with his local rival Senator Johnstone Muthama. Mutua gave the country great hope when he took office. He should revert to that straightforward style of leadership and minimise sweeteners for his councillors and cabinet members. PHOTO/WAMBUA KAVILA