MARSABIT – Former councillors who served in Marsabit County between 1963 and 2013 have renewed calls on the National Government to urgently address their pension and benefits, saying they have waited for years in vain.
Speaking to journalists in Marsabit town, the leaders, led by former MCA Adan Chukulisa, said they were the foundation of devolution through their service in local authorities commonly known as County councils before the advent of county governments, and therefore deserve recognition.
They said, neglect and living in abject poverty describe the life of many of them who served local governments from independence to pre-devolution era.
“We were at the forefront of promoting peace and cohesion in Marsabit. We laid the groundwork for devolution. It is time the government recognized our service and paid what is due to us,” Mr. Chukulisa said.
The former councillors said they submitted a memorandum to the government demanding about Sh1.5 million for each ex-councillor.
According to them, the memorandum reached Parliament but later stalled at the National Treasury, delaying any response.
More than 100 former councillors in Marsabit are affected. Many, they said, are living in hardship due to the delay.
The leaders now plan to engage Regional Commissioner, Governor Mohamud Ali and other relevant leaders to secure a direct meeting with President William Ruto.
“We are ready to support President Ruto politically if the National Government listens to our cry and fulfills the promise to pay us our pensions,” they said.
The former councillors also urged residents, especially youth, to register for National IDs and as voters.
They lauded the government’s decision to scrap vetting in Northern Kenya, saying residents deserve equal rights to identification documents.
The leaders urged Marsabit residents to embrace peace, unity and solidarity, saying real development is built in an environment of stability and cooperation.
They further thanked President Ruto for recognizing pastoralist communities by giving them opportunities in government.
On the pension issue, the government has said the main challenge has been the lack of a legal framework to facilitate payment. The Senate continues to push for a permanent solution.
