State of devolution address set for Monday

Council of Governors' Chairman Josphat Nanok issues a statement at Delta House in Nairobi on March 8, 2018. He will issue another address this week. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • According to National Treasury, counties have received about Sh1 trillion since devolution was actualised.
  • Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa assured of his ministry’s commitment in supporting devolution.

The Council of Governors (Cog) is on Monday expected to make its annual state of devolution address, the first since last year’s General Election.

In a dispatch on its official twitter page, the council said the address by its chairman Josphat Nanok, who is also the Turkana governor, will be a brief of the progress made this financial year.

Last year during the address by then council chairman Peter Munya, governors stated that although many challenges bedevilled the implementation of devolution, they had remained focused on delivering their promise to Kenyans.

RELATIONS
The county bosses also outlined the achievements of their first term in office.

They also criticised the Senate, which they accused of summoning them to settle political scores.

Already, senators have promised to shift from a confrontational relationship with governors and other leaders as witnessed in the previous House, to a more collaborative approach.

Monday’s state of devolution address gives CoG an opportunity to make their stand clear on their engagements with the Senate.

FUNDS
There has also been the recurring issue of delayed disbursements from the National Treasury, which disrupts service delivery.

Corruption, infighting, tug-of-war with the national government, wastage of funds and unmet revenue targets have been cited as challenges facing this system of governance.

According to National Treasury, counties have received about Sh1 trillion since devolution was actualised.

Most funds have been injected in health, education, trade and infrastructure.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Separately, Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa assured of his ministry’s commitment in supporting devolution.

He demanded prudent use of funds disbursed to the counties.

The August 8 General Election brought in 25 new governors while 22 were re-elected.

Jubilee has 25 governors while Nasa has 18. Maendeleo Chap Chap and Kanu have one each, while two were independent candidates.

The council held its last fresh elections last December.