FILE PHOTO | NMG 

While the quest by many of the 47 county governments to form economic blocs is a good idea, there is need for setting up viable and entrenched structures that will propel the respective devolved units to their desired growth goals.

The Bill’s goal, if passed, will ensure that the county economic blocs prepare deeds that encourage intra-regional trade while prioritising the use of local resources.

The six current blocs include Frontier Counties Development Council comprising seven counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River and Lamu, the North Rift Economic Bloc that consists of seven counties of Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Turkana and the Lake Region Economic Bloc that brings together 13 counties of Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Kericho.

Mt. Kenya and Aberdares Region Economic Bloc brings together ten counties of Nyeri, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Laikipia, Nakuru and Kiambu.

Section 8 of the County Resource Development Bill, 2020 states: “County governments may enter into an agreement for the establishment of an economic bloc where they have a shared geographical region and for the enhancement of trade and economic development.”