Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga wants the Council of Governors to assist in managing World Bank development projects across Kenya. The vice chairperson spoke during a meeting about the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II held at Naivasha. Kahiga believes the council needs better funding to manage these programs and improve services for citizens. He argues that current coordination methods create confusion and prevent progress. The World Bank provides $200 million over four years to build county government capacity.
Kahiga criticized having the National Treasury coordinate council activities when the governors have their own functioning offices. He pointed out that the devolution department operates under the Deputy President's office without full ministry status. The deputy chair said the DP already handles numerous responsibilities and cannot properly oversee county coordination. Counties implement most government programs through their local structures. The Council of Governors represents all 47 devolved units and should receive funding segments for each program.
The Kenya Devolution Support Program operates as a performance-based grant system, funded by the central government and distributed to the counties. Counties can choose to participate and must meet specific conditions for receiving funds. These requirements involve preparing capacity-building plans and annual performance assessments. Kahiga stressed that his proposal does not represent a fight between councils and the national government.
Kahiga criticized having the National Treasury coordinate council activities when the governors have their own functioning offices. He pointed out that the devolution department operates under the Deputy President's office without full ministry status. The deputy chair said the DP already handles numerous responsibilities and cannot properly oversee county coordination. Counties implement most government programs through their local structures. The Council of Governors represents all 47 devolved units and should receive funding segments for each program.
The Kenya Devolution Support Program operates as a performance-based grant system, funded by the central government and distributed to the counties. Counties can choose to participate and must meet specific conditions for receiving funds. These requirements involve preparing capacity-building plans and annual performance assessments. Kahiga stressed that his proposal does not represent a fight between councils and the national government.
