United States, Germany pledge to support devolution

By ERNEST NDUNDA and WILLIS OKETCH

The devolution process has received a Sh21 million boost through a US-funded ‘Feed the Future initiative.’

And the German government said yesterday through its deputy ambassador Friedo Sielemann that it considers devolved government crucial to Kenya’s future development whereby “governors are in the driver’s seat”.

At the same time, the US has urged the Government to respect devolution. US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said the money will be spread in the next five years to improve the agricultural sector. Friedo said to achieve sufficiency 10 per cent of the national budget should be used for food production and announced that devolution provides new opportunities for Germany’s engagement.

The two envoys spoke at a forum of 47 governors -The Council of Governors - convened in Mombasa by USAid and other agencies to devise strategies to spur food production at the grassroots.