NAIROBI, KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto has censured the leadership of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for their continued absence at the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meetings.
"I raised this matter in our last meeting and it seems no one took it seriously. The attendance of this meeting is mandatory to all stakeholders," Mr Ruto said.
"I will take up this matter with the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi. I will appreciate it if we take these meetings seriously for the benefit of devolution," he added.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who chairs the JSC, did not send a representative to the meeting held at the Kenya School of Government and Ruto could not hide his disappointment.
"JSC should have sent a representative to this meeting. For us to discharge our duties legally and ensure county governments succeed, all the members of this council must attend," he emphasised.
Ruto said the coming together of various stakeholders like ministries of Treasury and Devolution, 47 governors, 47 county executive committee members in charge of Finance, Transition Authority, Commission on Revenue Allocation, Controller of Budget and the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution is vital in addressing the teething problems affecting devolution.
NUMEROUS CHALLENGES
"We can also find solutions to the hurdles faced in implementation of devolution when all of us play our roles as required in law," he said.
The DP praised county governments for the achievements made so far despite facing numerous challenges.
But, Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura wondered why the Senate is not directly involved despite being a key stakeholder in devolution.
Mr Gitura said Senate is also faced with challenges of court injunctions, which would otherwise be resolved in such forums instead of engaging in court battles.
"The representation of Senate in IBEC will foster a good relationship for efficiency in public management and administration in decision making by establishing mechanisms to iron out the challenges that arise," he said.
"If we take different paths, we appear disjointed. We should work closely," he added.
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