Advocating for the 4th-Generation Basis for Enhanced Revenue Sharing Fairness
In a proactive move towards equitable revenue allocation, the JKP secretariat led by the Chairman H.E. Governor Gideon Mungaro (Governor Kilifi County), in the presence of H.E. Fatuma Achani- Governor Kwale, H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir – Governor Mombasa, H.E Dr. Dhadho Godhana – Governor Tana River, H.E. Issa Timamy – Governor Lamu, H.E. Andrew Mwadime – Governor Taita Taveta, and Hon. Boy Juma Boy – Senator Kwale County, Hon. Mohamed Faki – Senator Mombasa County, Hon. Stewart Madzayo – Senator Kilifi County, Hon. Danson Mungatana – Senator Tana River, Hon. Kamau Joseph Githuku – Senator Lamu County, Hon. Johnes Mwaruma – Senator Taita Taveta County, convened to analyze the Third Generation Basis for revenue sharing between the national government and counties. The objective was clear: to shape a regional stance to present to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) for the forthcoming Fourth-Generation Basis.
Key considerations emerged from the deliberations, reflecting the region’s commitment to fairness and development:
- Strategic Regional Positioning: Recognizing the JKP region’s significance as a gateway to the hinterland, boasting ports, unique tourism, and rich wildlife.
- Inclusion of Water Mass from the Land Area Index: Acknowledging the importance of water bodies in the region’s land area, advocating for their inclusion in revenue-sharing indices.
- Impact of Climate Change and Environmental Performance: Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate change and advocating for factors such as environmental performance to be integral in revenue allocation.
- Unique Disasters and Challenges: Addressing the specific challenges faced by coastal regions due to climate change and sea-based activities, urging tailored considerations in revenue distribution.
- Blue Economy Integration: Advocating for the incorporation of the blue economy sector, citing unique interventions and the need for capacity strengthening, such as Vocational Training Centers offering blue economy-related courses.
- Economic Contribution: Emphasizing the significant contribution of JKP counties to the national GDP, warrants proportional representation in revenue-sharing formulas.
- Tourism Campaign Impact: Highlighting the impact of initiatives like the “Go Kenya Coast” tourism campaign on the region’s economic landscape, advocating for its recognition in revenue allocation metrics.
Others in attendance included county secretaries, county executive committee members, chief officers, and directors for economic planning and budget from the JKP Region counties.
The objective was clear: to shape a regional stance to present to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) for the forthcoming Fourth-Generation Basis.
The commitment of the JKP region to advocate for a more nuanced and inclusive Fourth-Generation Basis reflects a broader ambition for equitable development and prosperity. As discussions progress, it is hoped that these considerations will find resonance in the national dialogue, paving the way for a more just and balanced revenue-sharing framework.
