Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said there is need to bite the bullet and revisit the structure of devolution in the country.

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Delivering a key note address during the 5th Annual Devolution Conference at Kakamega High School on Wednesday, Raila called for the introduction of 'tree-tier system.’

“We should retain the current counties, create 14 regional or potential governments and retain the National government which should come up with a formula on revenue sharing. The creation of 14 regions comprising several districts was meant to make it economically viable to manage the affairs of such regions,” he said.

Raila lauded the creation of economic blocs like Coast and North Eastern and appealed to County Assemblies to expedite the passing of legislations to authenticate the regional blocs.

The former prime minister said threats to devolution were real, saying governors were unfairly being accused of self-enrichment.

"Governors and CeCs are viewed with suspicion. MCAs and speakers are accused of conflict of interest by engaging in contracts. Some governors pay for their cabinets to be approved by County Assemblies besides facilitating for their trips to benchmark. This has heightened corruption which must stop or devolution will head to its death bed,” he said.

Odinga indicated that Auditor General Edward Ouko called for an end to victimization of MCAs when they raise potential issues with the governors.

Over 40 senators and governors who are attending the conference said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila should be embraced by all leaders.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong was among participants who endorsed the handshake which they described as golden.