Council of Governors-Kenya

The Africa Urban Forum commenced today in Addis Ababa, with H.E Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o , Chair of the Urban Committee, and H.E Issa Timamy, Chair of the Blue Economy Committee, representing the COG. They are set to engage with the Executive UN Habitat and contribute as panelists in various sessions.

The opening session emphasized Addis Ababa's rapid infrastructure growth, the need for greater city autonomy, innovative financing, balanced land policies, and the urgent need for an urban development strategy.

This is a critical platform for Kenya especially County Governments due to the increasing urban areas in the Counties to come up with sustainable solutions to address the challenges that come with rapid urbanization

The COG continues to spearhead learning among Counties by identifying suitable best practices that can be replicated to improve service delivery. Today the COG Health Committee held a meeting with Proximie Technology.

The meeting was chaired by H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr , graced by the DG, Nakuru County and brought together the CECMs for health alongside surgeons. The objective was to share best practices from Makueni County that partnered with Proxime in deploying a digital technology for Tele-Health.

Proxime is a healthcare organization that focuses on data-driven insights that improves safety and productivity in the health care. Surgeons have boundless access to expertise that helps them perform at their best.

County teams were drawn from Nakuru, Murang’a and Makueni Counties

Off to a wonderful start. Today The Ministry of Health led by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa paid a courtesy call to the COG. The visit was an opportunity for the two levels of government to meet and interact following the recent appointment of the cabinet secretary.

The Council of Governors looks forward to enhanced Health Sector Intergovernmental Relations as well as regular and deliberate consultations between the two levels.

The G7 Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting to deliberate on the progress of implementation of the G7 strategy.
Under the leadership of the Chairperson, Mama Ida Odinga, has resolved as follows:
✅Development of G7 Economic and Social Investments Profiles
✅Identification of county champions who will coordinate and surface names of women who are interested in leadership positions
✅Onboarding male champions to spearhead the gender agenda across various platforms

Governors led by the COG Chair, Finance Committee H.E Fernandes Barasa today attended the 24th Ordinary Session of the IBEC chaired by the Deputy President H.E Rigathi Gachagua at Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi County.

IBEC is an intergovernmental forum bringing together the National Government, the County Governments, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices to discuss financial policy and expenditure of public funds.

The meeting resolved to expedite asset valuation, finalize revenue sharing with counties, and enhance oversight on key fiscal initiatives. These decisions underscore the commitment to strong intergovernmental relations and sound financial systems.

Happy Birthday to Mama Ida Odinga, Chairperson, G7 Advisory Council. We celebrate your unwavering dedication to mentoring women and positively influencing our nation's future. Wishing you a year filled with joy, health, and continued success 🎉

Today, KEMSA leadership team, led by Chairman of the Board Irungu Nyakera and CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa, paid a courtesy call to COG Chair H.E Anne Waiguru. The discussion focused on crucial health sector reforms, addressing debts owed to KEMSA, improving supply chains, and fostering collaboration.

The CoG is committed to working with KEMSA towards a coordinated health strategy across all Counties that will transform the health sector.

Today, Nation has featured the G7 Women Governors Caucus In the Article - Inside the G7: The road to increased political inclusion.

This is very thoughtful, this is very mindful, this is very Demure

Council of Governors CEO, Mary Mwiti represented the Council at the launch of the Strategic Guiding Framework for Greening the Justice System, 2024 at Safari Park Hotel organised by NCAJ. The Strategic Guiding Framework embodies our shared vision for a greener Kenya and a call to action.

This symbolizes our resolve as a country to integrate environmental consciousness into every facet of our justice system. By aligning our legal practices with our environmental goals, we are addressing today’s challenges and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Council of Governors is committed to fostering inter-county collaborations, which will amplify our efforts in greening the justice system. By sharing best practices, resources, and expertise, counties can work together to address environmental challenges more effectively.

These collaborations will create a network of support and innovation, driving collective progress and reinforcing commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Council of Governors Women Caucus held the Machakos County Chapter G7 strategy launch. This marks a great milestone in the advancement of women in leadership and will be instrumental in promoting women's participation and representation in leadership and decision making positions across all levels.
The Machakos County Chapter G7 strategy launch, graced by various dignitaries and women leaders from across the country, saw thousands of residents from Machakos County gather at the Kenyatta Stadium for this momentous occasion.
This event also marked the official unveiling of the G7 Advisory Council whose members include: H.E Dr. Ida Odinga – Chair, Hon. Leah Sankaire, Prof. Wanjiku Kabira, Daisy Amdany and Jaki Mobogo. The advisory Council will play a key role in supporting the implementation of this strategy, addressing the barriers that women face in leadership, provide guidance and foster an environment where women can thrive as leaders.
Further, various items were distributed to women under the social assistance programme including water tanks, energy saving jikos and pressure pumps among others.

The G7, led by the host Governor Hon Wavinya Ndeti visited various development projects in the County ahead of the anticipated Machakos County Chapter G7 strategy launch to be held tomorrow, at Kenyatta Stadium. The projects, which touch on key sectors including health, education and gender are expected to improve service delivery and transform the lives of the communities. The projects include:
1. Mavoko level IV hospital
2. Muindi Mbingu Speciality hospital
3. KyeMutheke Vocational Training Centre, modern training workshops and dormitories
4. Machakos GBV rescue centre
5. Emergency services and disaster management centre
6. Machakos Sports complex

The Council Of Governors congratulates Uasin Gishu County led by H.E Jonathan Bii and the people of Uasin Gishu for the conferment of Eldoret City Status.
The conferment of city status is a testament to your growth, resilience, and vibrant community spirit.

Deputy Governors today convened a consultative meeting to discuss key issues affecting County Governments including claw back on devolution, and hold their caucus elections. The newly elected leadership is as follows:
1. Chairperson - H.E Hon. Reuben Kamuri
2. Vice Chairperson – H.E Dr. William oduol
3. Secretary - H.E Prof. Grace Cheserek
4. Whip – H.E Hon Francis mwangangi
5. Treasurer - H.E Hon Philomenah Bineah Kapkory

H.E Gladys Wanga, Vice Chair of the CoG Health Committee & H.E Nathif Jama during the opening of the quarterly meeting for CECMs for health in Garissa. The forum discussed key issues affecting the health sector including:
✅Enactment & full implementation of Facility Improvement Financing Acts by all County Governments to ring fence resources for provision of health services, amidst reduced fiscal space & donor transition
✅Implications of the recent court ruling on UHC Acts
✅Payment of debts owed to public health facilities currently estimated at ksh. 6.9B
✅County experiences on primary health care

The Council of Governors Women's Caucus-'G7' is the hallmark of transformative women leadership in Kenya. The G7 strategy is envisaged to transform the society through visionary leadership to deliver the devolution promise.
In line with this, the G7 Caucus held the inaugural meeting of the G7 Advisory Council to discuss the G7 strategy & the upcoming Machakos County Chapter Activation slated for 15th & 16th August 2024. The Advisory Council will play a key role in supporting implementation of the G7 agenda and promoting increased participation and representation of women in leadership.

The Council of Governors led by H.E Stephen Sang today participated in the inaugural National Summit of the County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM), a first of its kind in Africa, held at KICC, Nairobi.
CPRM is a voluntary governance self-assessment tool utilized by Counties to share experiences, reinforce best practices, identify deficiencies & assess capacity-building needs. It's geared towards enhancing good governance & accountability for improved service delivery & development.
The targeted Counties include: Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Machakos, Kakamega, Makueni, Mombasa, Nandi, Nyeri, Siaya, Busia, Trans-Nzoia and Vihiga. Key impact areas highlighted in the CPRM include: promoting innovation and excellence; strengthening governance and accountability; building resilience and sustainability and; enhancing people-oriented service delivery.

The Council of Governors Agriculture, Livestock, Trade & Cooperatives Committees appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives to discuss the joint submission on the Cooperative Bill 2024. The Bill, which is to be tabled in parliament for the second reading, is expected to provide a legal framework to govern the operations and development of cooperative societies in the country, including a simplified system of registering Cooperatives at the county level.

Adequate resourcing of Counties is paramount for effective service delivery.
Earlier today Council of Governors-Kenya met with the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to evaluate the fourth Basis for Revenue Sharing among County Government’s Formula’ proposal. According to the DORA 2024, Counties will receive kshs. 400 billion in equitable share.
There is need to ensure fairness and equity for the sustainable development of all County Governments in fulfilment of the objects of devolution.
It was agreed that a technical committee with representation from all regional economic blocs be formed to review CRA’s proposal and give recommendations.

Today, COG led by Chair, Legal & Intergovernmental Relations Committee H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr , along with H.E James Orengo and H.E Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga, presented oral submissions on the Elections (Amendment) ( No.2) Bill, 2024 to the Senate JLAHR Committee. The Council strongly called for alignment with Katiba Institute case ruling on election laws and further emphasized the need for public scrutiny of electoral systems for transparency

The Committee will rationalize the comments and submit a report to the House

Today, COG led by Chair, Legal & Intergovernmental Relations Committee H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr , along with H.E James Orengo and H.E H.E. Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga, EGH , presented oral submissions on the Elections (Amendment) ( No.2) Bill, 2024 to the Senate JLAHR Committee. The Council strongly called for alignment with Katiba Institute case ruling on election laws and further emphasized the need for public scrutiny of electoral systems for transparency

The Committee will rationalize the comments and submit a report to the House.

Virtual extra ordinary meeting to discuss critical issues of common interest to County Governments and the nation at large. COG remains committed to working with stakeholders to resolve all issues affecting the Country as well as build a sustainable and predictable future.

The CoG today held a ‘Departmental Switch’, a knowledge sharing activity aimed at enabling all staff to learn, understand and appreciate the connectivity, functions and importance of each department.

Each staff had an opportunity to engage in the day to day activities of a different department, experience challenges faced by fellow staff in other departments and work in collaboration with other colleagues to achieve the set targets for the day.

At the end of the activity, all staff are expected to give feedback on their experience in the different departments and further give recommendations on the same.

The Council of Governors (CoG) and One Acre Fund today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and rural development in Kenya. This partnership focuses on promoting food security, wealth creation, and employment through improved productivity for smallholder farmers.

Strengthening intergovernmental structures is crucial for efficient governance and service delivery. The CoG, led by Chair H.E Anne Waiguru, appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations to address the IGR (Amendment) Bill.

The Council has proven time and again as a critical intergovernmental structure. Empowering COG and clearly define its functions and the IGRTC will prevent overlapping duties, and enhance effectiveness.

Also discussed were fast-tracking legislation for Regional Economic Blocs and ensuring resource allocation follows function. The Senate Committee pledged its commitment to protecting county revenues and safeguarding devolution for all Kenyans.

H.E. Governor Gladys Wanga and H.E Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir today graced the CPF annual general meeting to reflect on milestones made in the past one-year.

CPF has been one of the key partners in the Council’s Devolution Conferences and supporting County Governments in governance, human resource management and capacity building, financing and service delivery.

County Attorneys and lawyers at the Council of Governors are increasingly handling court cases without involving external lawyers. This has significantly reduced outsourcing and saved public resources.
County Attorneys are competent and qualified legal professionals however, cases affecting County Governments may require specialized experts in various fields. The diversity & complexity of some court matters necessitate technical expertise
Following a petition filed by one Laban Omusindi, seeking to restrain County Governments from hiring external law firms to represent them in court cases CoG legal committee appeared before the joint Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations and Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights to make its submissions on the matter

COG, led by Vice Chair H.E Ahmed Abdullahi EGH and Chair of the Health Committee H.E Governor Muthomi Njuki, today signed a Return-to-Work Formula with the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers

This is a significant step towards full restoration of healthcare services

The RTWF brings to an end the 99-day industrial action

Speaking during the ceremony, KUCO Sec Gen. George Gibore urged all members to report to back to work within the next 24 hours.

Today, the Agriculture Committee led by the Chair H.E Kenneth Makelo Lusaka and Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) held a consultative meeting on implementing the Warehouse Receipts System in Kenya. The CoG supports this system to enhance food security. The meeting backed amendments to the 2019 Act, keeping warehouse operator licensing with County Governments, and approved a technical team co-chaired by the CEO, WRSC, and Director Committees, CoG, to guide further implementation.

COG notes SRC Gazette Notice No. 177 of 9th August 2023 on the proposed salary increments for State Officers. In these harsh economic times, COG urges SRC to withdraw these increases for County State Officers including; Governors, DGs and CECMs to ensure fiscal discipline and sustainability