Mount Kenya Leaders Advocate for ‘One Man, One Shilling, One Vote’ Formula
A section of leaders from the Mount Kenya region, led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, are advocating for the “One Man, One Shilling, One Vote” formula as a basis for national resource allocation.
This formula proposes shifting the primary criterion for county resource distribution from land mass to population.
Originally one of the main proposals in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) supported by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the formula emphasizes that revenue should be allocated based on the population rather than the size of land.
The third basis for sharing revenue in Kenya considers eight parameters: Basic Share (20%), Population (18%), Health (17%), Poverty Level (14%), Agriculture (10%), Roads (8%), Land (8%), and Urbanization (5%).
Deputy President Gachagua, speaking in Samburu during a fundraiser for women’s groups on June 7, defended the proposal against critics, asserting that it promotes equality in revenue allocation across the country.
Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, has been a vocal supporter of the formula. Speaking on Hot 96 Kenya, Wamuchomba argued that the formula ensures equity in revenue distribution.
“When I say ‘One Man, One Shilling, and One Vote,’ I refer to everyone in Githunguri, regardless of their origin, who contributes to the local economy. Resources should be allocated to people, not just land,” Wamuchomba stated.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also expressed support for the formula during a visit to Githunguri Constituency on April 24, 2024.
