The year was tough for governors, but we shall overcome says Isaac Ruto

Kenya: County governments have had their fair share of setbacks, misfortunes and successes as the curtain falls on 2014.

It was a year marred with confrontations, fights for recognition and legal battles in an effort to ensure devolution finds its rightful place in the country's governance structure as envisaged in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Governors were on the spot over accountability issues, where the Senate faulted a number over financial misappropriation.

Also, institutional fights played out openly, when the county chiefs turned to the Judiciary on interpretation of matters they termed aimed to plough back devolution gains, even as the legislators cautioned them against responding to audit queries in public forums or hiding behind court orders.

Further, the County Assemblies were at their best, 'impeachment spree' on the governors, deputy governors, county executives and the assemblies' speakers.

Governor Paul Chepkwony (Kericho) and Deputy governor Bernard Kiala (Machakos) survived attempted ouster by their respective assemblies.

According to Council of Governors (CoG) chairman Governor Isaac Ruto (Bomet), through the devolved system of governments, all parts of the country are now realising development growth, creating job opportunities and exploiting their economic potential.

Ruto affirmed that governors have done a lot to transform their counties; given the short period they have been in office.

He, however, admits it has not been an easy ride though, taking into account the institutional fights, enactment of bad laws and the retention of functions and resources devolved under Schedule Four of the Constitution by the national government, which gave birth the council's Pesa Mashinani crusade.

"County governments have initiated many projects in their counties especially the marginalised areas, which were neglected for 50 years. For the first time, counties like Mandera, Wajir and Marsabit now have tarmac roads," he noted.

He continuous, "2014 was a mixed bag. We suffered some misfortunes, faced numerous challenges but going forward, we shall overcome them."

Ruto regrets that though security is a national function, the role of county governments is very important in addressing the matter.

Governor Ruto noted that the loss of his daughter Emily, Senator Otieno Kajwang' (Hombay), who was a strong supporter of devolution, and the mother to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) was a big setback in their push to ensure devolution is properly anchored.

"During the trying period, a lot of projects were put on hold. I remain strong in defending devolution and we will succeed," promised Ruto.

He observed, "This year has been rather tough for us but we are equal to the task to take devolution to a greater height," he noted.

The Bomet governor has remained steadied that the institutional fights, which have seen residents of Makueni County call for its dissolution, resolved.

"Devolution stakeholders should develop a good working relationship, free of conditions, power wrangles for the common good of the citizenry. We must ensure Kenyans realise the fruits of devolution," Ruto appealed.