Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has lauded devolution
as one of the key principles of governance that have helped strengthen the
country’s national unity.
Speaking on Monday, Kindiki said this is despite critics of devolution during the Constitution-making process saying otherwise.
He said that 13 years after the onset of devolution, the detractors have been proven wrong.
“Those who opposed devolution during the Constitution-making process tried to argue that devolution will work against national unity. 13 years later, we have established with certainty that on the contrary, devolution is one of the governance principles and institutions that has helped build on our national unity,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President spoke at the 11th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit meeting held at State House, Nairobi on Monday.
The meeting was chaired by President William Ruto.
Kindiki went on to say the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, expected that there would be disagreements between the various stakeholders in devolution and it made available avenues for consultations.
He said this is the reason the National and County governments must engage with mutual respect at all times.
“The Constitution anticipates that the various role players in the devolution family will have issues and matters that require discussion and consultation.
“Whenever issues arise, the two levels of government and other role players in the devolution architecture must engage each other in the spirit of consultation, cooperation, collaboration and mutual respect.”
Kindiki noted that one such avenue for engagement is the National and County Governments coordinating summit.
He said that it affirms the vibrancy of the Constitution and is in line with what is expected of all stakeholders,:
“To ensure that devolution works, not only to affirm our national unity but also to expedite the development of our Country by decentralizing decision-making and dispersing power and resources closer to the people.”
The meeting followed the 25th Ordinary Summit of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).
Kindiki chaired the meeting at his official residence in Karen on December 13, 2024, where several key resolutions were made, including calling for the immediate transfer of agreed devolved functions to the counties.
