Governors, MCAs reach deal to bury the hatchet

Kenya: Governors and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) have struck a pact to end feuding and work together in the interest of devolution.

Council of Governors (CoG) and County Assemblies Forum (CAF) signed the ceasefire at a recent meeting in Naivasha and resolved to press for review of multiple laws they say undermine devolution.

They also agreed that county assemblies back the clamour for the amendment of the Constitution through popular initiative.

"We want to scrutinise laws that draw back the benefits of devolution and recommend the way forward. We will also scrutinise all future bills on devolution and make appropriate recommendations," stated CoG Chairman Governor Isaac Ruto.

In a joint statement signed by Governor Ruto and CAF Chairman Speaker Abdi Nuh (Tana River), the meeting further resolved to form a joint ten member committee comprising of five representatives from either side to deliberate on the issues affecting devolution.

 PESA MASHINANI

"CAF and the council will work together to refine the Constitution of Kenya Bill, 2014 that the governors have proposed for consideration for constitutional amendment. Both the CoG and CAF are strongly committed to the Pesa Mashinani agenda," said Ruto. The two institutions said they will work together to ensure counties are adequately resourced.

"Enough funds should go to counties for devolved functions on the basis of the principle of funds following functions, as laid out in the Constitution. This task includes pushing for entrenching viable benchmarks of devolved funds in the Constitution," said Ruto.

Dr Nuh said: "The meeting reflected on building symbiotic working relations between the governors and MCAs and the assemblies' leadership for the good of people at the grassroots."