New team picked to oversee transition

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru (centre) flanked by the chairman of the newly launched Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee Karega Mutahi (left) and Principal Secretary Mwanamaka Mabruki at Harambee house on March 4, 2015. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI |

What you need to know:

  • The Transition Authority has one year left of its mandate.

A new agency that will coordinate government and county relations has been formed to replace the Transition Authority.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru unveiled the 10-member Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee chaired by former Permanent Secretary Karega Mutahi.

The Transition Authority has one year left of its mandate.

Ms Waiguru said in her office on Wednesday that the new agency would take over any remaining transfer of functions from the national government to the counties.

“This committee will oversee the shifting of any functions that would not have been completed. The authority’s mandate ends in a year’s time and is not renewable,” she said.

The new team is also expected to coordinate the activities of the Summit as well as the Council of Governors. President Uhuru Kenyatta heads the Summit and governors are members.

The Summit was formed to ensure smooth working relations between the two levels of government.

The Transition Authority had, in the past, protested against the setting up of the committee.

The authority is mandated to oversee the transfer of functions and resources from the central government to the devolved units.

Spokesman of the Council of Governors Barrack Muluka said the formation of the committee was lawful, but he could not comment on whether the county bosses were in agreement with the process.

However, Ms Waiguru said the governors had been involved throughout the procedure.