Governors, State in fresh dispute over devolved functions to counties

Governors at the Second Medium-Term Plan National Stakeholders Forum at Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi, yesterday. [PHOTO: MBUGUA KIBERA/STANDARD]

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Kenya: The blame game between the national and county governments rages on, this time over devolved functions to counties.

Governors have expressed concerns following the delays in gazettement of devolved functions by the national government, even as President Uhuru Kenyatta remains on record stating that his Government is fully commitment to devolution.

This seems not to be the case, as county governments continue to face hurdles as the country goes through a transition period

The Council of Governors warned that it takes great exception with the delay and hopes that the process is being expedited.

The governors emphasised on the priority of county governments in ensuring the full implementation of devolved functions as provided for under the fourth schedule of the Constitution.

“County Governments at the moment await the gazettement of their full functions, the move will pave the way for the start of our journey towards the people’s genuine devolution and Kenyans are waiting,” stressed council chairman Isaac Rutto in a statement read on his behalf by Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.

Mr Rutto in his speech during the second Medium-Term Plan National Stakeholders Forum held at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies reiterated that county governments will serve Kenyans with dedication.

“Devolution is taking government closer to the people, right to the villages, to the door steps,” he noted.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru once again reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment towards devolution.

 “I will work tirelessly to build capacity of county governments to set-up and successfully undertake their functions,” she pledged.

Transition Authority chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi also confirmed that functions should have been gazetted by this month.

“The devolved functions should have been published in the Kenya gazette by July,” he said, adding that the matter is still with the Attorney General Githu Muigai.

Wamwangi disclosed that he is following up on the matter with the AG to establish what could be causing the delay.

Rutto, is currently attending an investors meeting in the USA.