The problem is not counties and I must correct my brothers from Central Province and parts of the Rift about it.

You need to come from historically marginalized counties to appreciate what difference devolving money can make. For example, a former division of Kitui called Yatta and now referred to as Kitui Rural Constituency (and formerly part of Kitui West) only had 4 secondary schools in 2007. When Kitui West (which had 3 divisions) got its first MP from Yatta Division, he concentrated on using CDF to incubate secondary schools which were also supported by the local community and finally government. As we speak, the former Yatta Division has over 40 secondary school. Enrolment to form one has grown five fold (poor studends don't need to board) but can still access secondary school education. The next challenge is addressing quality, and I believe that can be improved with time.

Granted that the guy is accused of stealing a lot of CDF money, but the little invested in the community will create a lot of social good in the long run.

Reducing counties will see more money stolen at the consolidated level, rather that the grass roots. Devolved corruption is better for development that concentrated corruption.

The discussion on cost cutting must focus on;

1. Reducing the central government (we don't need PCs, DCs, DOs, Chiefs etc) County government should provide the required services.

2. Closing the tap on corruption. Corruption is the biggest drain on the country's resources. Lest you forget, the money that Mars Group highlighted as having been lost between KRA and Treasury has never been accounted for.

3. Holding civil servants accountable for productivity and resource management.

4. Reducing the size of parliament. Kenya does not require over 400 Mps and while senators are necessary, there is no need for nominated senators. The crafters of the constitution forgot that the work of senate was to balance representation and have an institute where the vote of the Ogiek, for example, carried the same weight as that of the Kikuyu. We don't need more that 47 senators to achieve that.

5. Removing the secrecy around the DOD and office of the president budgets.

6. Recalling and disposing most vehicles bought by the central government especially to reduce maintenance costs. Some of the vehicles are used by the wives and children of government employees.

The argument should be the counties to bake the national cake eventually and kill the marginalization and inequity...am willing to see which counties and ngavanas will agree to consolidate