Wajir county assumes control of National Library in devolution transition
The governor marked the beginning of the process to identify and validate museum assets, initiating the crucial phase of transferring their management
The Wajir National Library was officially transferred to the Wajir County Government on Tuesday as part of the National Government's initiative to transfer 61 libraries to counties.
A delegation from the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), along with representatives from the National Museums of Kenya and Kenya National Library Services, visited Wajir to engage Governor Ahmed Abdullahi on the transfer of assets.
More To Read
- How youth in Wajir, Garissa are being empowered through entrepreneurship in fight against radicalisation
- High Court dismisses Wajir MCAs bid to block creation of conservancy
- Police arrest two as Wajir fuel station owners decry attacks by armed robbers
- Wajir teachers trained in virtual labs to boost boost teaching of STEM subjects
The governor, welcoming the team led by IGRTC Vice Chairman Saadia Kontoma, marked the beginning of the process to identify and validate museum assets, initiating the crucial phase of transferring management from the National Government to the Wajir County Government.
"We have successfully completed the transfer of library personnel files and records for 33 staff members from Kenya National Library Services to Wajir County," said the governor, confirming the transfer was formalized through the signing of an Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement (IPA).
Last month, Githinji Kiragu, Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, announced the National Government's completion of plans to transfer 61 libraries to county governments. He stated that assets worth millions of shillings, library staff, their files, and a budget of Sh425 million for salaries were released by the state.
Additionally, Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, disclosed that a total of 25 museums, national monuments, and gazetted sites, including those in Kisumu, Isiolo, Narok, Garissa, and Marsabit, are slated for transfer to county governments.
However, she clarified that UNESCO heritage sites such as Fort Jesus would not be affected by the devolution of functions.
The transfer of national libraries and museums marks a significant step in the decentralization of devolved functions previously under the National Government's jurisdiction.
Top Stories Today
