Ruto wants full transfer of functions to counties

Kisumu, Kenya: Governors have asked the Transition Authority (TA) and the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) to ensure functions that are meant to be devolved are handed to the county governments before the expiry of their term.

Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto complained that while the country is in the last year of the constitutional deadline set to ensure that all devolved functions are handed over to the counties, some essential functions are still under the control of the National Government.

Mr Ruto asked TA and the Charles Nyachae-led CIC to ensure the functions are transferred before the expiry of their term later this year

 “We are in the last year of the constitutionally set deadline to ensure all functions that are supposed to go to counties are transferred, but we are concerned we still have crucial ones that still remain under the National Government. We are calling on the TA and CIC to ensure these functions are devolved,” said Mr Ruto.

He cited county roads and electricity programmes as some of the functions still under the control of the State.

ROADS MAINTENANCE

 “Governors must have access to the roads maintenance levy to ensure they promptly carry out their maintenance work,” said the governor.

The chairman, though hailing the Senate for setting aside Sh5 billion to go to counties for emergencies and calamities under the Division of Revenue Bill currently before Parliament, said that more funds are needed to be channeled to counties.

Ruto complained that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had shortchanged the governors by giving Sh4.5 billion for salaries and allowances of the county staff, saying the total requirement was Sh12 billion.

 “We have a shortfall of Sh7 billion and this would mean us utilising funds meant for development to bridge this gap.”