President William Ruto vows to support Devolved units

Nairobi, 

Monday, 18 December, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has committed to enhance a healthy relationship between the National Government and County Governments inna bid to strengthen devolution. 

The President said while hosting the 10th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi.

The head of state said that the National Government has done its best in supporting devolved units and is committed to strengthen intergovernmental relationship to foster socio-economic transformation at the grassroots, advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“I believe that our country’s fortunes, to a decisive extent, are dependent on how we manage the devolution and resources,” he said.

The President noted that the timely disbursement of funds by the national government to counties is crucial in ensuring that the devolved governments can meet their constitutional mandate.

The Summit resolved to engage stakeholders to expedite the transfer of devolved functions.

Counties also agreed to sign all the necessary Intergovernmental Agreements with the National Treasury within 14 days to activate the disbursement of funds for County Industrial and Aggregation Parks.

Additionally, County Governments agreed to extend the stipend for Community Health Promoters from the current three years to five years.

In a bid to enhance transparency, the counties committed to develop accountability systems that will ensure effectient distribution of supplies to areas affected by El Niño rains is well evaluated and monitored. 

The summit resolved to ensure all counties support the Government's Fertilizer subsidy programme by spearheading the distribution of fertilizers to farmers under the last mile programme.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries from different ministries and County Governors across the 47 counties.