All functions to be devolved in 60 days

All devolved functions that are still under the National government will be devolved in the next 60 days, President William Ruto said yesterday.

While presiding over the official opening of the 8th devolution conference in Eldoret yesterday, Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking the transfer of all devolved functions to counties.

“All the functions that are still being performed by the ministries through parastatals will be transferred to county governments in 60 days to enable them discharge their duties effectively,” Ruto said.
Some of the key functions regional bosses have been agitating to be transferred to counties include those under Agriculture and Food Authority.

The Head of State made the remarks after the Council of Governors (CoG) chairperson Anne Waiguru raised concern over the delay by the national government to release remaining devolved functions.
“We are appealing to you to ensure the remaining functions are transferred to counties and the process must be followed with resources to enable the county governments deliver services to the people,” said Waiguru.

The President also directed investigative agencies to arrest officials of the national and regional governments implicated in corruption.

He said corruption had taken root in the public sector where senior and junior officials were perpetrating the vice at the expense of delivery of services.

“I am directing investigative agencies to round up all senior and junior State officers regardless of their status who are involved in corrupt activities at the national and county level to check the wanton theft of public resources,” said Ruto.