Erick Okello, chairman of the Joint Integrated Forum, addressing the Press in Kisumu/FAITH MATETE
Civil society groups are calling for unity and a return to constitutional structures in resolving governance issues between national and county governments.
Speaking to the media, Erick Okello, chairman of the Joint Integrated Forum, a civic lobby group active since 2008, emphasised the importance of a cohesive approach to devolution.
"We are here as a lobby group and members of civil society to speak with one voice on matters affecting our nation".
He stressed that the Constitution clearly outlines the structure and mandate of devolution and envisioned a collaborative working relationship among the 47 county governments and the national government.
“There’s no justification for constant conflict over devolved functions. Let’s work within the structures provided,” he added.
John Obure, another member of the forum, echoed these sentiments, citing recent tensions between national leaders and county leadership as detrimental to national stability.
“Our concern has been that during the period when President William Ruto and Raila Odinga were engaging constructively, especially in the Nyanza region, we witnessed relative peace, and that peace was good for Kenya’s economy. But lately, we’ve seen public spats between national and county leaders, and that’s not good.”
Obure called on leaders at all levels to stop “throwing words” and instead use the existing constitutional structures to address their grievances in a mature and amicable manner.
“As a forum, we urge both national and county leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric. Let’s use established mechanisms to resolve disputes rather than inflaming tensions in the public space,” he said.
The speakers highlighted that health, among other services, is a devolved function that works best when the two levels of government cooperate.
“County governments run health services, but collaboration with the national government, especially on policy and support essential,” noted Okello.
They further urged all leaders to focus on service delivery and governance in line with constitutional mandates, ensuring that the devolution dream benefits all Kenyans.
