Siaya Deputy Speaker Hails President Ruto for Order to AG to Gazette Devolved Functions

Photos: Directorate of Communication, County Government of Siaya

Odongo says that once the order is effected, resources should follow the functions so as to tame delay of the project implementations.

“The idea is long overdue and even former Premier Raila Odinga and ODM Party have been pushing for it for years ,” said Odongo.

Odongo added that though they have been embracing partnership of National government on facilitating health matters but that has not been the spirit of devolution since health is a function primarily under counties.

“Some of the devolved functions were only partially devolved and resources have been trickling into counties piecemeal and the complete transfer of the functions and resources will see lives of residents being transformed in a big way,” said Odongo.

ADVERTISEMENT

The order by the president will ensure smooth transfer of assets.

Earlier, Governor James Orengo noted that functions like infrastructures (Roads) ought to have been devolved to counties.

Orengo also appealed to the national government to ensure they release all funds pertaining to functions already devolved in the Constitution.

Orengo was particular with the health sector, which he said counties are struggling to fund functions devolved but funds are still trickling in piecemeal to the counties.

“As we take a greater burden in terms of offering medical services, again the national government must learn to make funds follow functions,” he had said.

Orengo noted that the kitty funding health at the counties falls short of what was prescribed in the 2010 Constitution.

“What the counties are currently receiving from the national government in terms of funding the health sector, is not in accordance with the structure that is well laid down in the Constitution,” he said.

President William Ruto has announced today that his administration will complete the transfer of all devolved functions.

Speaking during the 11th National and County Governments Co-coordinating Summit, Ruto said the transfer will be effective Friday, November 20, 2024.

He said the Attorney General will have those already transferred gazetted, while they continue to hold deliberations on functions that will have remained.

“We will complete the transfer of all devolved functions to county governments without delays.

“I am informed by the Attorney General that by this Friday functions already agreed upon will be gazetted and get transferred to counties,” the President said.

The President’s remarks come a few days after the 25th Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday called for the transfer of all agreed functions.

KIndiki said the national government will disburse an additional KES 32 billion to county governments.