CIC to release audit on devolution

CIC Commissioner Professor Peter Wanyande addressing the media in Isiolo County on June 10, 2014. Prof Wanyande said the trouble faced by counties over delayed salaries and poor service delivery was meant to make governors look bad in the eyes of county residents. FILEPHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The report will show the progress made by counties in the last one year
  • Some counties were not ready to undertake functions transferred to them by National Government

The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) will release a report on the status of devolution in the country end of June.

The commission has been visiting counties to gather information before releasing the assessment report.

CIC Commissioner Professor Peter Wanyande said the report will show the progress made by counties in the last one year.

Prof Wanyande, who was in Isiolo County Tuesday said the visits are aimed at providing an opportunity for counties to share their experiences, best practices and lessons learnt in the implementation of the devolved system of government.

Addressing the media in Isiolo town, the Commissioner said counties have shown some progress despite challenges facing devolution.

He however noted that some counties were not ready to undertake functions transferred to them by National Government.

“Such counties are in dire need of capacity in legislative development which continues to derail functions at the county level,” he said.

He called on counties to monitor the constitution implementation at the National Government level particularly with regards to revenue expenditure as it may have an impact on them.

CIC has so far visited Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Migori, Bungoma, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties.

The county visits provide the CIC with an opportunity to meet residents who are key stakeholders in monitoring the implementation process.

“For the first time in the history of Kenya, the public is keen in participating in policy and legislative development as well as holding leaders accountable as opposed to the past where citizens were mere recipients of laws,” Prof Wanyande said.