New devolution committee starts work say CS Ann Waiguru

NAIROBI: A technical committee formed to manage the relationship between the national government and county governments has officially started its operations and is expected to succeed the Transition Authority.

The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, inaugurated Friday by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru, will, among other things, ensure both systems of government are running their affairs harmoniously and cooperating with each other.

The committee will be the meeting point between the national government and the counties from next year. IGRTC is the key organ that will advise the President and the 47 governors on the ongoing devolution of power and resources.

The committee headed by former Education Permanent Secretary Prof Karega Mutahi will be responsible of the day-to-day running of the summit (composed of the Head of State and governors). It will also be responsible for activities of the Council of Governors.

"The Technical Committee will be the successor to the Transition Authority to undertake the residual functions of TA, whose role is to facilitate and co-ordinate the transition to the devolved system of government,'' Ms Waiguru said.

The test of time is the operation of the two bodies within the next year as TA's term will end next year. The CS says that there will be no overlapping roles as the Kinuthia Wamwangi-led Authority will stick to its role of ensuring smooth transition while the Karega-led commission implement decisions of the summit and the COG.

Last year, there was a plot to disband TA once the committee is established but the same was watered down by the National Assembly after members opposed the changes.