Waiguru urges constitutional commissions, independent offices to protect devolution

Waiguru expressed concern that some of these offices have not fully embraced the principles of devolved governance even a decade after its implementation.

Speaking at a three-day retreat involving the executive and the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices (CCIOs) in Naivasha, Waiguru emphasized the importance of a shift in mindset towards supporting devolved units for the success of devolution.

“It is, however, concerning that some of them have not fully embraced the vital principle of devolution which is a cornerstone of our national values and principles of governance, binding all State organs to its objectives,” Waiguru pointed out.

Despite being enshrined in the constitution, Waiguru highlighted that County Governments still face numerous challenges that hinder effective service delivery. These challenges include disputes over the division of revenue, efforts by the national government to centralize devolved functions, strikes by health workers, revenue collection shortfalls, and issues with financial management.

Waiguru underscored that disagreements over revenue sharing between the National and County Governments lead to delays and uncertainties in budget implementation. She also pointed out that ongoing strikes in the health sector disrupt essential services and undermine public trust in county governments.

According to Waiguru, failure by county governments to meet their own source revenue targets has compromised the fiscal autonomy of the 47 units because they are heavily reliant on equitable share allocations from the National Government.

“Promotion of sustainable intergovernmental relations between the two levels of government while respecting the functional, institutional integrity and the constitutional status of either level is at the centre of our governance. I urge the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices support the two levels of government in achieving this,” the Governor said.

She urged Constitutional and Independent Offices to engage in open dialogue and collaboration with counties to identify practical solutions to the challenges facing devolution for the benefit of all Kenyans.

The meeting was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Cabinet Secretaries, Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons, and Commissioners of Constitutional Commissions, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Principal Secretaries, and Chief Executive Officers of CCIOs, among others.