Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accompanied by Health CS
Aden Duale, among other leaders, ahead of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental
Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting at his official residence in Karen,
on June 23, 2025/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated that the government has no plan to frustrate or roll back the gains made by devolution over the last 15 years.
Speaking during the opening of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting, Kindiki said that there is nobody or administration, that has the capacity to do so.
He insisted that over time, devolution has grown to become too strong.
“Nobody has the capacity to roll back devolution. It is so strong that no administration has the capacity to roll back even an inch of devolution,” the DP said.
The meeting that serves as a forum for the consultation and cooperation between the National and County Governments on matters of finance, budget, the economy and planning was held at his Karen Residence office.
Kindiki noted that the Constitution establishes one government but with executive authority to be exercised in two levels: national and county governments.
He said these two levels shouldn't compete against each other but cooperate, work seamlessly in moving the country forward.
“We are already undertaking some concurrent functions seamlessly. In health, we have the Community Health Promoters programme, we have the Taifa Care programme, which we are rolling out without much quarrel, and I must commend the governors.”
The second-in-command noted that while this is the case, it is normal to have disputes and differences between the two levels of government.
“Even countries that have had devolved systems for over 180 years, like Australia, still have wrangles on allocations of money and push and pull on how much to be shared and what to remain at the centre.”
Kindiki noted that the national government has so far done well in the disbursement of allocations to the counties.
He said the National Treasury has already released Sh387.26 billion to county governments in the 2024/2025 financial year, accounting for 99 per cent of the total allocation.
The remaining balance of Sh17 billion for the month of June is expected to be released before the end of the fiscal year, he added.
“We don't have any pending allocations apart from June's, which will be released on time,” the DP said.
The Deputy President emphasised the administration’s focus on fostering harmonious relations between the two levels of government, with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
The Council of Governors called for structured collaboration between all stakeholders when it comes to rolling out projects for the benefit of the people.
