State ‘will not meddle in counties’

The Jubilee administration has no intention of controlling devolved units, President Kenyatta has said.

The President, however, said the government had an obligation to work with counties to deliver quality service to Kenyans.

“The Constitution requires this partnership to be conducted in a mutually respectful, reciprocal consultative manner,” he said during the Governors’ Ball at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi yesterday morning.

President Kenyatta pointed out that devolution was their to stay and the national government was working hard its success.

He urged governors to set up initiatives under their offices to mobilise and harness efforts to cushion the poor.

“As we celebrate our nation’s Golden Jamhuri Jubilee, we are also ushering in the Christmas season,” the President said.

He told leaders and citizens to use the convergence of festivities to enhance charitable activities as a lasting memory to the country’s journey and achievements over the next 50 years.

Deputy President William Ruto called on Kenyans to rise above political affiliations and engage in activities that would not let the country down.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said “we must appreciate what Kenya has achieved so far, for we have achieved a lot.”

“However, we are far from where we want to be. We need to work even harder,” he said.

At the same time, President Kenyatta asked Kenyans to work together to enable the country achieve its goals.

“We have achieved a lot as a country but still we have a long way to go and we should work together in order to achieve what we have planned,” said Mr Kenyatta.