Devolution Conference kicks off in Kirinyaga, Uhuru meets governors

The Sixth Annual Devolution Conference kicked off on Monday, March 4 in Kirinyaga County and is scheduled to continue until Friday, March 8.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to officially open the conference at Kirinyaga University grounds on Tuesday.

Just a day before the official opening of the devolution conference, President Kenyatta held a meeting with Governors at the Sagana State Lodge, where Citizen Digital understands the Head of State, raised concern about the persistent nurses strike.

In the meeting, counties were urged to institute contingency measures in the event that the 60 days given to for talks with nurses hit a deadlock.

The Governors were also told to ensure that nurses who failed to obey the directive to resume duty are punished.

Among the issues set to be discussed at this year’s conference themed; “Deliver, Transform, Measure; Remaining Accountable,” include health coverage and the national government’s Big Four Agenda as well as allocation of county funds.

Six years after devolution began around Ksh. 1.6 trillion has been distributed to all the 47 counties.

A lot has been developing on how the governors use the money with the Senate saying that 30% of the funds should strictly be allocated for development within the counties.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that by Sunday evening hotels in Kirinyaga and the neighbouring Nyeri, Murang’a and Embu counties had recorded 100 percent bookings, with some hiking prices.

The event will be officially closed by Deputy President William Ruto on Friday.