Governors want devolution's unresolved issues addressed

Re-elected Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya says counties will continue to use any means to fight for “unresolved ” issues meant for devolution.

In his acceptance speech on Friday evening, Mr Munya said governors are willing to discuss with the national government over these issues but will resort to courts “when there is no hope.”

“We will work with all the stakeholders who are engaged with devolution to make sure it succeeds. “We look forward to working with the national government to resolve some of the issues that are outstanding issues,” he said in Nairobi.

Mr Munya recaptured his seat after getting governors' endorsement through consensus following the withdrawal of Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya from the race for the top seat. The Meru Governor, who said he was “overwhelmed” by the duty, promised to fight for devolution without “fear or favour.”

The Council of Governors was created to help county bosses speak with one voice on issues of devolution.

SERIES OF DISPUTES

Governors have been entangled in a series of disputes with the national government since 2013. The governors and the national government have had conflicting opinions on issues including the hiring of health equipment to hospitals, appointment of county land boards as well as the tiff over county commissioners’ roles.

Mr Munya said there has been “a lot of progress” in the management of devolution, but added that there are still many issues to be resolved.

One of the constant complaints by governors is the disbursement of monies meant for counties, an issue Mr Munya said they are ready to discuss and challenge in the courts if need be.

“Going to courts does not mean that we don’t like resolving issues using other methods. It is just that our constitutional dispensation allows us when it is difficult to resolve issues and when we see that there is no hope,” said Mr Munya.

“In deed there are a lot of issues that we need to resolve with the national government. Where we see that there is goodwill, we intend to use other methods to resolve them, ” he added.

Counties have also had conflicts with the Senate. Mr Munya argued governors have bigger roles to play and should be allowed to “settle down in working for devolution instead of being summoned all the time over 'flimsy' issues.”

During the function, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said it is time both counties and national governments stopped bickering.

“Our 90 minutes are nearly over and very soon we will be giving an account to Kenyans of what we have done for them,” Mr Kiunjuri said referring to next year’s elections in which most of the governors are due to face stiff competition.

“Each person will be for himself or herself and God for us all. Let us remain constantly reminding Kenyans of our achievements. Let us use the remaining time to demonstrate that we can work for Kenyans," said Mr Kiunjuri.

During the elections, governors elected Taita-Taveta Governor John Mruttu as Vice-Chairman to replace Kwale's Salim Mvurya.