Ruto sets deadline for transfer of devolved functions to counties
By Lucy Mumbi |
He acknowledged the ongoing consultations between national and county governments to resolve the transfer of remaining functions.
President William Ruto has directed that the budgets and resources for devolved functions currently held by ministries and State departments be transferred to counties by the next financial year.
Speaking on Monday during the 11th National and County Governments Co-ordinating Summit, Ruto announced that the transition will be effective Friday, November 20, 2024 and that the Attorney General will oversee the gazettement of functions that have already been transferred, while discussions are ongoing for those still pending.
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“We will complete the transfer of all devolved functions to county governments without delays. I am informed by the Attorney General that by this Friday, functions already agreed upon will be gazetted and transferred to counties,” Ruto said.
He acknowledged the ongoing consultations between national and county governments to resolve the transfer of remaining functions.
"There is extensive consultation between the two levels of government through the IGRTC programmes so that we can get things moving," he said.
While recognising the fiscal constraints affecting the national government’s ability to fully meet county governments’ expectations for shareable revenue, Ruto stressed that these limitations should not be mistaken for a lack of commitment to devolution.
“We understand the constraints within our national fiscal framework, which limit our ability to fully meet county governments’ expectations for shareable revenue,” Ruto said.
“This challenge cannot and should not be mistaken for a lack of commitment to devolution. Rather, it is a temporary difficulty arising from inherited fiscal vulnerabilities and the incomplete implementation of devolution.”
He assured that effective measures are being taken to address these issues and reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing devolution.
“We are taking effective measures to address these issues, and our resolve to consolidate and deepen devolution remains strong,” he added.
The President also expressed satisfaction that the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) has finalised the unbundling and transfer of functions in line with his previous directive. He instructed the committee to now focus on identifying and transferring the necessary budgetary and other resources tied to these functions in the next fiscal year.
"Harmonious intergovernmental relations, as outlined in Article 6 of the Constitution, are essential for effective and sustainable devolution and, by extension, the success of our national socioeconomic transformation agenda," Ruto said.
The President further emphasised the need for consultation and cooperation between the national and county governments, noting that their interdependence is vital for the country’s development.
He highlighted his commitment to holding regular engagements with county leaders through the National and County Government Coordination Summit, a platform he described as essential for advancing shared priorities.
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