State still runs devolved functions worth Sh272b

IGRCT chairperson Kithinji Kiragu. [File, Standard]

Several key elements of devolved functions worth Sh272.2 billion are still being run by the national government ten years later, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRCT) has said.

IGRCT delegation led by chairperson Kithinji Kiragu, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, said considerable resources needed to fund devolved functions still remain in the hands of the national government.

They asked the committee and Senate to intervene and help push for full transfer of devolved functions and resources.

The told the Senator Mohamed Abass-led committee there is need for consensus on quantum and time frame for transfer of resources and appealed to Parliament to appropriately and timely incorporate the funds in the County Allocation Revenue Act.

Mr Kiragu said overcoming the challenges require political goodwill and commitment from the national and county governments.

He said the Legal Notice No.142 of August 2019, delineated the library function and distributed 59 libraries domiciled in 33 counties.

IGRTC has asked that the remaining 14 counties be supported to establish libraries through a conditional grant beginning with allocation of Sh100 million each.

Kiragu also cited confusion in allocation of library money. "The allocation of library funds was distributed as part of the equitable share to the 47 county governments and not as a grant to the 33 county governments to which libraries and staff were transferred. As a result, county governments with libraries received allocations lower than the original allocation to cater for staff remuneration," he submitted.

He added: "On the other hand, county governments which did not receive libraries and staff were erroneously allocated funds, in the circumstances, while some county governments have failed to take up the function due to less budgetary allocation."

IGRTC also submitted the ECDE function was devolved without clear resources to implement.