300 MPs Throw Support Behind BBI After Two-Day Retreat

About 300 MPs have thrown their support behind the final Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

The MPs drawn from both the National Assembly and the Senate unanimously agreed to back the proposals made in the document following a two-day consensus-building retreat in Naivasha.

Through a statement read by Senate Minority Leader James Orengo at the end of the retreat on Monday, the MPs said BBI will promote shared prosperity where Kenyans from all communities will be able to enjoy a share of national resources.

“We have gathered here as Members of Parliament numbering nearly 300 from the National assembly and Senate to express our unequivocal support for the BBI,” Orengo stated.

 “One of the methods that this will be achieved is by increasing the minimum amount of shareable revenue to the Counties from 15 percent to 35 percent.” 

The MPs further indicated that BBI will create a development fund which will be allocated five percent of shareable revenue to ensure resources reach the grassroots.

“These measures and numerous others will ensure that marginalized communities especially the pastoral communities are adequately resourced,” added Orengo.

They also pointed out that BBI will give women, the youth, and people living with disabilities an opportunity to participate in national leadership and decision-making.

“We have resolved to ensure gender equity is achieved by making specific provisions for it in the proposed Constitutional Bill,” he said.

Further, BBI seeks to strengthen the criminal justice system to ensure corruption and economic crime cases are heard and determined within six months.

The MPs agreed to start popularizing the BBI report, a process that will culminate in a constitutional referendum. Orengo read the statement in the presence of President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.