A proposal to use annual budget figures in the division of revenue between counties and the national government could see increased allocation to devolved units.
Delegates drawn from counties and national government attending the three-day Devolution Conference in Eldoret proposed 32 ways of improving development and service delivery in the counties.
In a joint communique, the two levels of government agreed to explore entrenching division of revenue based on the projected budget for the year.
Article 203 (3) of the 2010 Constitution provides that the equitable share of revenue should be calculated on the basis of most recent audited accounts of revenue approved by the National Assembly.
In the the current financial year, counties will receive Sh385 billion while National government will receive Sh2.2 trillion based on 2019/20 audited accounts of revenue approved by the assembly.
The two levels of government have also agreed to review the legislative framework to enhance the autonomy of County Assemblies to strengthen their oversight role.
The assemblies during the conference advocated for independence from the county executive to enhance their operations to improve oversight.
In the communique, the two levels agreed to work to ensure all devolved functions being carried by national government ministries and departments are transferred within 60 days together with attendant resources.
This is inline with President William Ruto promise to governors during his address on Wednesday.
Both levels of government have agreed to design programmes to facilitate the prevention and elimination of Gender-based Violence and promote the reintegration of teenage mothers into the formal school system. Other proposals include creation of policy framework for digitization to support operationalization of all sectors including health, agriculture, trade and blue economy.
The county governments avowed to support adoption and scaling up of creative solutions by providing a conducive environment and incubation centres through budgetary allocation and technical support.
Counties also resolved to enhance own source revenue through policies and automation of systems to enhance transparency in revenue collection. They vowed to promote economic empowerment of marginalised groups.
They also resolved to review or develop frameworks to facilitate provision of green housing including housing policy, national land policy, energy planning standards and county specific policies on land and housing.
The government to establish and operationalise the National Urban Development Fund as provided for in the National Urban Development Policy. They also agreed to set up a database of all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to promote linkages with investors.
On healthcare, counties resolved to increase investment in primary health care, including community health services, in order to step up preventive and promotive health services.
