Ruto Moves to Cut CSs Powers in New Deal With Governors

President William Ruto, on Saturday, February 11, reached an agreement with the Council of Governors over legal matters bedevilling his administration. 

The Head of State committed to the timely disbursement of funds to County Governments, and to transfer all pending devolved functions to the County Governments. 

In return, the governors agreed to withdraw all pending cases before various courts against the government. 

“The Inter-governmental Technical Committee shall fast-track the process of identification, analysis and transfer of all pending devolved functions to the County Governments in the shortest time possible,” CoG chaiperson, Anne Waiguru read the resolutions. 

Kirinyaga governor and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Anne Waiguru at the two-day retreat held in Naivasha on Thursday, October 13, 2022

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Anne Waiguru

Ruto promised to look into areas where the national budget has grown in ministries where functions are devolved. 

In particular, he pointed out the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, which the Head of State noted coinciding functions. 

“There is an evident transformation that has come about through devolution and as such, we must support counties,” he noted.

Governors lamented that several overlapping functions had significantly impeded the growth and development of their regions. 

Counties’ performance in service provision, they added, was largely viewed as dismal since the National Government took up several functions. 

The governors added that the forty-seven counties carry the promise of a more equitable model of development through effective service delivery and local governance.

While addressing the 9th National and County Coordinating Summit at Enashipai Hotel, Naivasha, Nakuru County, President William Ruto and the Council of Governors resolved to ensure that functions are rightfully designated. 

“The Inter-governmental Technical Committee will also identify the effects of role overlap between the county and national government staff on service delivery,” Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru noted. 

Other tasks include reviewing the effects of socioeconomic behaviour on service delivery in the county governments. 

“It delays implementation, denies Kenyans their right to services; we must be united in purpose,” President William Ruto explained. 

President William Ruto addresses an inter-governmental meeting with governors at the Naivasha Enashipai Hotel on February 10, 2023.

William Ruto