National, County gov'ts agree on transfer of remaining county functions

In a communiqué issued following the Monday meeting, the Summit announced a series of resolutions aimed at streamlining devolution and encouraging collaboration between the national and county governments.

The Summit resolved that all pending devolved functions that have been unbundled and mutually agreed upon will be officially gazetted today, December 16, 2024, allowing for a smooth transition to county governments. 

The corresponding resources related to these functions will be transferred to the counties starting July 2025. 

To ensure asset clarity, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee will expedite the valuation of assets from defunct local authorities as well as those related to devolved functions, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2025.

To improve cooperation, both levels of government will establish consultative intergovernmental sector forums. 

Additionally, the National Treasury will disburse all pending equitable share allocations for November 2024 to the 47 county governments today.

Recognising the value of collaboration in dispute resolution, the Summit emphasised alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve intergovernmental disagreements.

The State Department for Devolution, the Council of Governors, and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee will work together to develop technical proposals for amendments to the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012, which will be submitted to the National Assembly. 

Financial accountability will also be improved, with the National Treasury tasked with accelerating the adoption of accrual accounting and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) by both levels of government. 

The Summit also agreed that pending Equalisation Fund entitlements would be disbursed to help operationalise and implement targeted projects. 

In the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Council of Governors will work together to ensure that farmers receive subsidised fertiliser on time and in sufficient quantities. 

Similarly, a consultative meeting between the National Treasury, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and county governments will address outstanding taxes on County Own Source Revenues.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development will expedite the implementation of the Sectional Properties Act to require landowners to register their units, phasing out existing certificates under the Registration of Documents Act.

To prevent misuse, the Summit directed that all drugs procured by county governments through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) be marked "NOT FOR SALE." 

Additionally, stipends owed to Community Health Promoters will be paid by December 25, 2024.

The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors will also collaborate to create a framework to guide the National Equipment Service Programme's (NESP) implementation.