The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) has declared that the completion of the transfer of all remaining devolved functions, as stipulated by the Constitution, will occur by end of February
In response to ongoing challenges in the devolution process and disputes with the national government over functions and funds, Governors convened a crucial meeting last week. While the governors advocate for the release of functions and the accompanying budget, certain state departments oppose the move.
Despite persistent disagreements between the national and county governments regarding specific functions, the committee expresses confidence in meeting the February deadline.
Over the next three weeks, Governors and top government officials will gather in Naivasha to address the impasse hindering the transfer of pending devolved functions.
The meeting, commencing yesterday, persists despite warnings from Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika that counties may have to wait until 2025 to commence receiving functions amounting to KES 272.2 billion for the pending functions.
In recent months, conflicts between the national and county governments have arisen, particularly concerning key programs such as the affordable fertilizer initiative, Universal Health Care, and affordable housing.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us. The meeting in Naivasha will actually pave the way for the next difficult process. We are not only talking about transfer but even the resources required to accompany the functions. We don’t want to have confusion after transfer has happened. It will take time but we believe finally counties will have what is theirs,” stated Mbaika.
The ongoing deadlock revolves around 12 functions currently managed by the national government instead of being devolved to the counties.
These sectors include health, energy, trade, regional development, agriculture, housing, public works, urban development, education, disaster management, and environment. According to a report by the Inter-Governmental Technical Relations Committee, the national government is still performing various elements of at least 10 devolved functions.
“After gazetting, we have to agree on what budgetary resources need to be rationalized, staff to move from national to county governments, capacity building, and key structures that should be streamlined,” said IGRTC Chair Kithinji Kiragu.
Kiragu mentioned that the reported amount of KES 272 billion is derived from cost estimates conducted by various technical groups in different sectors, though the Treasury has not substantiated the accuracy of this figure.
